CONTROVERSY.
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LETno man infer from this, however, that we favor, or in any way encourage, alove for controversy. This is another thing entirely. By no means do we love controversy. It is deplored always, or at least the occasion of it. But shall a man, because he deplores controversy—because he is sorry to come in collision with men—because he knows unpleasantness will arise, and the smooth surface will be ruffled, evade the issues between light and darkness—between christianity and everything else? We did not make these issues and are not responsible for them. They exist whether we say anything about them or not, or whether we see them at all. The simple question is, whether we will stand by christianity and maintain it—whether we will face the issue, in a kind, a manly and noble manner, or shrink, depart from it and allow it to be crushed down. Our motto is,Meet the issue fairly and squarely, in every instance of opposition to the gospel, in that way that shall prove most effectual. Let there be no evasion, but stand firm and present an unbroken front.