“If you are designed to contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, and to confirm those that are wavering, you may have your own mind severely tried respecting the truth you have believed; and do not be surprised, if you have to examine your whole system; to dissect it joint by joint; to scrutinize the evidence of every part–perhaps to call in question the truth of Revelation;–or to doubt the being of your God!  You may be rendered painfully familiar with the reasonings and objections of men, who would subvert the whole foundation of your hope and joy; you may be compelled to pursue an extensive course of inquiry, which otherwise you would have deemed quite unnecessary; and all this may be a discipline needful to fit you for your future warfare.

Thus you will be enabled to benefit others.  You will obviate those difficulties, which they dared not to mention: without giving their objections a formidable shape, you will apply principles which will establish their faith: and time will probably discover, that some who come to the house of prayer, returned thankful for the relief, which your previous difficulties enabled you to afford them.”

– Joseph Kinghorn, Advice and Encouragement to Young Ministers: Two Sermons. . . . Norwich, 1814. II 38.

It is impossible to be a true soldier of Jesus Christ and not fight. God grant that you… may be fighters, too! Probably you have your battles even now: you have to contend against sins gross or sins refined; you have to contend against the sin of slothfulness and inertia; you have, many of you, I know very well, a mighty battle on your hands against doubt and despair. Do not think it strange if you fall thus into diverse temptations. The Christian Life is a warfare after all... Yes, the Christian faces a mighty conflict in this world. Pray soldiers of Jesus Christ, not willing to compromise with your great enemy, not easily cast down, and seeking ever the renewing of your strength in the Word and sacraments and prayer! (p. 131)