Jehovah-Nissi
The place where Abraham Obeyed the divine command to offer his son upon the altar was called Jehovah-jireh—"the Lord will provide." At the scene of his call to deliver Israel from the hands of Midian Gideon raised an altar and called the place Jehovah-shalom—"the Lord send peace." The Lord provides for those who obey his will and sends peace to his people, but through conflict, not compromise. It was by the "sword of the Lord" that Gideon drove the Midianites out of the land. New invasions are being made by numerous innovators today. It is not the time to dispense with the sword and dismantle the armour.
When Amalek fought against Israel Moses stood on the mount of battle with "the rod of God" in his hand and "discomfited" the foe, and he called that place Jehovah-nissi, which meant, "the Lord is my banner." God is our banner now and the "rod of God" is in our hand—his all-prevailing Word. "Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee that it may be displayed because of truth"—"Lift ye up a banner upon the mountain, exalt the voice unto them." It is in the spirit of these sublime sentiments that this paper is published in this day of need.
In the decade of publication behind us it has been our aim to wage war on error, not on men. It is only when forced on the defensive that we have had to fight men. We have never sought nor desired such a fight, but when it means fight or run, we prefer to fight, because it is right—and we believe we are right. (We are "set for the defense of the gospel" and want to keep to the issues, but when occasions require it and the circumstances necessitate it, we shall take time out to defend ourselves in all righteousness.
Ten years the Bible Banner has been published without organization or company to back it. It has existed by the power of truth alone, supported by friends of the truth. It has no capital, no endowment, no resources but is simply printed and paid for from month to month. The preachers who stand with us can help us by sending us lists of subscribers, and the readers in every place can help us by sending prompt renewals and mentioning it to others.
It has been conceded by the strongest preachers and ablest elders in the church that the influence of the Bible Banner during the past decade has been of inestimable worth to the cause of truth. Important issues are before us now; they are not imaginary; they are real. Let us awake from lethargy, gird our loins with truth, and arm ourselves for battle.
Faithfully and fervently yours,