Oracles

ADAPTATION OF “ ONWARD CHRISTIAN SOLDIERS ” TO THE NEEDS OF THE BRETHREN PREFACE IN response to many suggestions from dear Brethren, I have adapted a hymn to the wants of the Church. In view of the grossly unscriptural nature of the original hymn (so-called) many changes have been rendered necessary, but I hope and trust that this has been effected without losing the grandeur of the original.* To this effort of mine certain “ false brethren unawares brought in ” have objected, saying, “ Touch not the accursed thing.” I pass over the blasphemy of their thus adapting verses of Scripture to their own vile ends. Let me, however, tell these “ wolves in sheep’s clothing,” these “ clouds without water ”, carried about of winds ; trees whose fruit withereth, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots ; raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame ; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever (Jude I2, I3), that they are “ dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters ” (Rev. xxii. I5), and again, that they are “ fearful and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and idolaters, and all liars ” * See preface to “ Hymns for the Little Flock.” I8