There is one striking correspondence between the book of Nehemiah and the epistle of Jude. In the former we read, "Every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded." Chap. 4:17, 18. In the latter, Jude, in the commencement of his epistle, exhorts us to "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints"; and at the end, "building up yourselves on your most holy faith." vv. 3, 20. He would have us like Nehemiah's builders, with the sword in one hand and the trowel in the other. The reason is found in the character of the times. Certain men had crept in unawares, and apostates abounded. It was no time for peace, therefore, when the foundations were being assailed. In the face of such dangers God would have His people valiant for the truth. The sword, it should be observed, is for defense as well as for attack; but conflict must not be shrunk from when the faith once delivered to the saints is in question. But while prepared for, and even in the midst of conflict, we must also be diligently occupied with the edification of ourselves, and of one another, that we may be the better prepared to resist the attacks of the enemy.