ARMED TO THE TEETH.
IN the early part of the war, a young minister of the gospel was on his way to fulfill an appointment. He was mounted on a large and fleet horse, and he had his books in a saddlebag. As he had some distance to go, he traveled along at a brisk rate. After riding awhile, he met a party of soldiers who were searching for rebels, and, as he drew near them, they separated and let him pass.
After he had gone by a short distance, one of them said:—
"Now, we ought to have halted that fellow!"
"No," said another, "I guess he is all right."
"But you don't know," said the first. So they wheeled their horses around, and, leveling their guns at the young man, they ordered him to halt.
On hearing the order, he wheeled his horse around, and waited for them to come up. When they had come within three or four rods of him, he shouted out with earnestness:—
"Move carefully, I, I'm armed to the teeth."
On hearing this, the soldiers stopped short with their guns leveled.
He then told them that he was armed with a Bible and hymn book, and that he was on his way to an appointment. When they heard this, they lowered their guns and asked him his name. On hearing it, one of the soldiers said he knew him, and that he might go on his way in peace.
Get armed to the teeth. Store up your mind with the Bible while you are young, and it will be a great help to you in fighting the good fight of faith.
"The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
The Well-Spring.