War will rage between these two great sovereignties until one crushes the other. Peace between good and evil is an impossibility. The very pretense of it would, in fact, be the triumph of the powers of darkness.

Michael will always fight. His holy soul is vexed with sin and will not endure it. Jesus will always be the dragon's foe, and not in some quiet, theoretical sense. No! He fights actively, vigorously, with full determination to exterminate evil. All his servants, whether angels in heaven or messengers on earth, will fight and must fight. They were born to be warriors. At the cross they entered into covenant never to make truce with evil. They are a warlike company, firm in defense and fierce in attack.

Here is the duty of every soldier in the Lord's army: Fight the dragon. Daily. With all your heart, all your soul, all your strength.

And make no mistake—the dragon and his angels will not decline the affray. They are incessant in their onslaughts, sparing no weapon, fair or foul. You are foolish if you think you can serve God without facing opposition. The more zealous you are for Christ, the more sure you are to be assailed by the myrmidons of hell. The church may become slothful, but not so her great antagonist. His restless spirit never suffers the war to pause. He hates the woman's seed. He would fain devour the church if he could.

Satan's servants partake much of the old dragon's energy—they are usually an active race. War rages all around us, and to dream of peace is dangerous and futile.

But glory be to God, we know the end of the war! The great dragon shall be cast out and forever destroyed, while Jesus and they who are with him shall receive the crown.

So sharpen your swords tonight. Pray the Holy Spirit to nerve your arms for the conflict. Never battle so important, never crown so glorious. Every man to his post, ye warriors of the cross! And may the Lord tread Satan under your feet shortly!