The reason the gospel is to be defended is because it has enemies. The reason it has enemies is because it exposes the works of darkness, and reproves evil deeds. There are but two ways of defending the gospel; the first by preaching it, the second by living it. This is true because the gospel not only consists of doctrines and precepts, but embraces duties and practices.

In the defense of the gospel nothing need be defended except that which is in the gospel. The gospel is only defended by preaching when it is presented clearly and in its entirety. The gospel is only defended by our living when we practice its precepts, and manifest to the world righteous effects, thus proving the certainty of an internal cause established upon the principles of right.

The gospel only becomes the power of God unto man's salvation in proportion as the atonement of Christ is clearly presented or hidden by mystic clouds. As a fort with some of its walls broken down only invites an attack of the enemy, just so the gospel half preached invites the cavils of infidels and the scorn of the skeptic. Nowhere do we find that the apostle was set for the defense of himself. Had Paul preached a partial gospel, the enemy would have endeavored to enter the breach and demolish the gospel itself. The apostles having left no breach in their proclamation of truth, the enemy could but turn his force upon the advocates of the gospel.

Let the saints of God be apprised of this fact, that when sectarian strife reigns and men are set for the defense of themselves and their creeds, they wrest the gospel and leave opportunities for the mocks of infidels, while they themselves escape. But when the impregnable wall of gospel truth is set up, all attacks there are of no avail; therefore the persecution must turn, as it always does, upon the vessels of flesh that receive and give out the unconquerable gospel.

The main reason so many make such feeble attempts at the defense of the gospel, is because they will try to advance one truth and withhold another, or try to plant a truth upon an uncertain or erroneous basis. The devil being too much interested in his work not to take advantage of such an opportunity, intimidates such ones, and they fail in what they profess. Satan has a vigilance committee too well organized, not to see their opportunity, if but one gospel principle is suppressed.

The gospel must not only be preached so it is possible for it to be understood, but in such simplicity and fullness that the attentive listener cannot misunderstand it. The gospel is not merely intended to make devils tremble, but especially planned to give joy and hope to man.

If a minister would defend the gospel against its many enemies and do it successfully, he must preach it appropriately, or must go under the influence of the Holy Spirit's anointing that he may determine not merely what the people desire, but that which they need. The varied conditions of different congregations often demand different gospel truths according to their former opportunities regarding gospel privileges. And even when the same subject could be handled with propriety at different assemblies, it is seldom that one subject can be successfully presented at different times and places in the same manner and style. Therefore no defender of the gospel should get into any form or rut in which he would act without the aid of divine guidance.

Another principle that is characteristic of a true defender of the gospel is boldness. The ambassadors of Christ need no less the spirit of boldness today than did the ministers of the morning time who prayed, "And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word."-Acts 4:29. The spirit of the gospel has never changed, nor as yet has the spirit of its opposers changed, unless it is from hatred to hatred intensified. Knowing this, the question is, Why should the spirit of our preaching change? Why should our boldness decrease when the danger is more apparent? If we have the same message of salvation given by the same God, why can we not preach with the same authority? If the gospel preached brought persecution then, need we expect anything else now? If the assurance of a future reward delivered those bold defenders of the gospel from the fear of death, are we not under the care of the same God? If heaven to them was so much more precious than an earthly existence, it certainly should be more glorious for us, since it is lighted up with the presence of the myriads of brilliant stars that have since the apostolic days cast their light into this dark world for a time, but are now shining in the eternal world. The gospel must be presented in a loving way, with the understanding that man's wrath or vengeance works not the righteousness of God. The power of the gospel that saves, the soul is not by "him that willeth [thelo - wisheth, desireth, endeavors, attempts], nor of him that runneth [trecho - make haste] but of God who showeth mercy ." The strength of the sword of the Spirit lies altogether in the power of the Spirit itself. Let none think the offense of the cross has ceased. Do not imagine that the gospel opposers have disappeared. As the gospel is the object of so much hatred, it is not strange that those who would defend it should share the odious attack of its enemies; for the enemies of Christ have not learned nor can they know, any distinction between the gospel and those who proclaim it. The "modern hireling preachers" are not of God, nor do they defend this gospel; therefore they know nothing of the responsibilities of a true minister, and consequently receive none of their reproaches. And because of this they think the world has about become converted to Christ, while the truth is it is increasing in wickedness.

You may expect what Christ and His followers have ever received. You need not suppose that the “narrow way" has widened any, nor that those who are traveling this way are finding ease and luxury more than did their brethren of old. Paul, who asked the question, "Who is sufficient for these things?" (II Corinthians 2: 16) : well understood what it meant to defend the gospel; and, if we defend the same gospel against the same devil, we must expect the same results. Brethren, be of good cheer, we will soon cross the border of time where will dawn the brightness of an eternity. We may have to wear a martyr's robe here, but it will be a victor's crown in the world to come.