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Letter to Editor
June 12, 1844
Morning Star
Limerick, York County, Maine
What is this article about?
An essay submitted to the Morning Star defines true courage negatively (not physical bravery, destruction, blasphemy, or slandering brethren) and affirmatively (subduing the carnal mind through Christ, enduring trials, and self-control), drawing on biblical references like Romans 8 and James 1. Signed by L. H. Witham of Kennebunkport.
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For the Morning Star.
TRUE COURAGE.
In offering some few thoughts on true courage, we shall,
I. Treat it negatively: and
II. Affirmatively.
1. It is not to stand at the mouth of the cannon and brave the fury of the fields of battle.
2. It is not to strew the battle field with the dead and dying—lay waste vineyards—demolish palaces, and carry sorrow and anguish, to an impoverished, scattered and surviving enemy.
3. It does not consist in attacking Jehovah upon his throne by blasphemy, or trampling upon his divine law, in disregarding his righteous commands.
4. It does not consist in opposing our brethren, because they may think a little different from us on particular points of doctrine, nor in slandering them and trying to destroy their influence, and build up ourselves on their ruin. No; true courage is not here to be found: but veils its spotless face, when such dark inclinations characterize the heart of man.
II. We now come to treat this subject affirmatively.
1. As true courage is found only in the soldier of the cross of Christ, we remark, that it consists principally in subduing ourselves: for we learn (Rom. 8:7) that the carnal mind is enmity against God. If this be true, it follows, that it is enmity against all real happiness and the best interests of man; for every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17.) Therefore true courage is that quality of the mind that enables man to overcome the carnal mind by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testimony, and receive the spirit of adoption whereby he may cry, Abba, Father.
2. It is a willingness to stand boldly in the blessed cause of Christ, and endure trials for him, knowing that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18.
3. It is firmness when we are called upon to bear contradictions and provocations for the Savior, and yet in patience to possess our souls. The Christian warfare, therefore, begins at home; it lies principally within, and he has the most true courage, who can conquer himself. Hence, said the wise man, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city."
L. H. WITHAM.
Kennebunkport.
TRUE COURAGE.
In offering some few thoughts on true courage, we shall,
I. Treat it negatively: and
II. Affirmatively.
1. It is not to stand at the mouth of the cannon and brave the fury of the fields of battle.
2. It is not to strew the battle field with the dead and dying—lay waste vineyards—demolish palaces, and carry sorrow and anguish, to an impoverished, scattered and surviving enemy.
3. It does not consist in attacking Jehovah upon his throne by blasphemy, or trampling upon his divine law, in disregarding his righteous commands.
4. It does not consist in opposing our brethren, because they may think a little different from us on particular points of doctrine, nor in slandering them and trying to destroy their influence, and build up ourselves on their ruin. No; true courage is not here to be found: but veils its spotless face, when such dark inclinations characterize the heart of man.
II. We now come to treat this subject affirmatively.
1. As true courage is found only in the soldier of the cross of Christ, we remark, that it consists principally in subduing ourselves: for we learn (Rom. 8:7) that the carnal mind is enmity against God. If this be true, it follows, that it is enmity against all real happiness and the best interests of man; for every good and perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights with whom is no variableness neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17.) Therefore true courage is that quality of the mind that enables man to overcome the carnal mind by the blood of the Lamb, and the word of his testimony, and receive the spirit of adoption whereby he may cry, Abba, Father.
2. It is a willingness to stand boldly in the blessed cause of Christ, and endure trials for him, knowing that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that shall be revealed in us. Rom. 8:18.
3. It is firmness when we are called upon to bear contradictions and provocations for the Savior, and yet in patience to possess our souls. The Christian warfare, therefore, begins at home; it lies principally within, and he has the most true courage, who can conquer himself. Hence, said the wise man, "He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he that ruleth his spirit, than he that taketh a city."
L. H. WITHAM.
Kennebunkport.
What sub-type of article is it?
Religious
Philosophical
Ethical Moral
What themes does it cover?
Religion
Morality
What keywords are associated?
True Courage
Christian Warfare
Carnal Mind
Self Control
Biblical Virtue
Enduring Trials
What entities or persons were involved?
L. H. Witham
Morning Star
Letter to Editor Details
Author
L. H. Witham
Recipient
Morning Star
Main Argument
true courage is not found in physical bravery, destruction, blasphemy, or slandering others, but in the christian's subduing of the carnal mind through faith in christ, enduring trials, and exercising self-control.
Notable Details
References Romans 8:7, James 1:17, Romans 8:18
Quotes Proverbs On Self Control: 'He That Is Slow To Anger Is Better Than The Mighty, And He That Ruleth His Spirit, Than He That Taketh A City.'