Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-09-23
Sermon by
J. A. EUBANK.
Intelligent humanity long ago ceased

Intelligent humanity long ago ceased
70 contest the principle that tho uni
verse In which we live is one of Law.
and order. 1t makes no difference what
may be the individual conviction as
10 tho force that set these laws in
motion-whether power or a. per son
tho testimony of the ages points to
the inevitable conclusion that the eter-
nal purpose is tho establishment of a
reign Of righteousness on earth, and
That purpose is being slowly and pain
tuiiy worked out. The uplifting Of all
tho nations of the earth may be long
delayed. but II will finally be accom-,
plished.
In furtherance Of this design of the
supreme directing power Of the uni
verso. the individual man is called
upon TO join his efforts with those OF
his fellowmen OF every faith ard
tongue. In the firm assurance that all
the forces OF nature will cooperate
with him both in tho conservation OF
his own welfare and the progressive
development OF the eternal plan. Those
who work in harmony with these
Forces movo along lines OF least re-
s!stance. hence the statement, The
about them that fear Him. and deiiv-
ereth them"-deiivereth them from tho
mistakes and errors that so often con-
tribute to tho defeat Of enterprises
conceived In noble purpose.
HUMANITY SURROUNDED NY
PROTECTING INFLUENCES
Tho unseen power which holds the
law OF the universe to It's course leads
n Ito ana. -.
those things which are best and most
needed. but since human nature. in it's
weakness, is promo to faint In the day
OF seeming adversely. provision haa
been made through tho working of
established law &c surround tEose in
harmony Herewith with such protec-
tive Influences az are needed TO offse.
surrounding dangers. In the sense
that fear Is here used, II means the
beginning OF wisdom; "A good under
standing have all they thar do His
commander ents;" their eyes are open.
ed and tho angel" is seen directing
tho footsteps OF all who have this fear
into safe paths.
Tho allusion to the protecting angel
finds It's inspiration In the experience
OF tho prophet Elisha at Dothan
whittier the King Of Syria. who sought
horses and chariots and a great host"
and comprised the city about while tho
good man and his servant slept When
the servant arose early and. looking
out. saw the army OF the King sur
rounding the city on all sides he was
very much alarmed, ard fastening
back TO s!s master. exclaimed: ".!us.
ny master! how sha!! We coz" Their
Elisha answered. Fear not, for they
that be with us are more than they
that be with them" And Elisha pray-
cd md said. Lord. pray Thee. open
his eyes. that he may see." And the
Lord opened tho eyes OF the young
man, and he saw; and, behold, the
mountain was full OF horses and chart
OTIS OF fire round about Elisha"
THOUGHT TO DO EVIL. BUT
GOD MEANT 1T UNTO GOOD
Christians are fain TO appropriate
these sublime lessons of faith and in
sptratfon to higher living to themselves
exclusively. but in thie they are mis-
taken-the eternal power plays no tn
vorites-love Is the ruling principle,
and 1t embraces all Humanity. The
house OF the righteous shall stand"
IN every nation he that feareth Him.
and worketh Righteousness, Is accept
ed with Him."
As before stated. slowly and painful
~ the work of establishing tho world
In righteousness progresses. and It
Heeco 10 argument to prove t.at those
'as!oSs ws!ch kavo held closes, to tie
Ese4t moral law OF the Cs.veFse have
been exalted the most The weak<.t
nations are being lifted up
Well might the American people ex-
claim as their Thoughts rccur IN &ha
dangers through which the repuhlt.
has passed. THE nations of the earth
thought to do evil against US, but God
meant IL llnfn &nndtn