Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1922-06-04
The Times-Dispatch Sunday
Sermon
GODS PROTECTING ARM.
By }. A. Eubank.

The angel of the Lord cncampeth round
about them that fear Him. and dcIivcreth
them. Psalm NXNiv I.
lntclligcn, humanity long ago ceased to
contest the principle that the universe in
which We live is of law and order II
makes no difference what may be the in
div!dual conviction TO the force that set
these laws in motion-whether a power or
a pcrson-the testimony of the ages points
to the inevitable conclusion that the eternal
purpose is the establishments of n reign of
Righteousness earth and that purpose is
being slowly and painfully worked out The
uplifting of all the nations of the earth may
be long delayed. but II will finally be ac-
compishcd
In furthcrance OF this design of The SUI
prcnc directing Power OF the universe the
individual man Is called upon to Join his
EFFORTS with those OF his fellow men of every
faith and tongue. in the firm assurance that
ali the forces of nature will cooperate with
him both in the conservation OF his own well
far" and the progressive development OF the
eternal plan. Those who work in harmony
with these forces move along lines of least
resistance: hence the statement The angel
OF tho Lord cncampcth round about them
that fear Him. and dcliycrcth them''-dcliv-
ereth them from the mistakes and errors that
<" often contribute to the defeat Of enter
pris"s conceived in noble purpose. The un-
seen power which holds the law of tho uni
verse 10 its course leads men who yield to
its influence to do those things which are
best and most needed. hut since human ma
ture In its weakness Is prone to faint in the
DAY oil seeming adversely. provision has been
madc through the working OF established law
To surround those in harmony herewith with
such protective influences NJ needed to
Offset surrounding dangers In the sense
mat Tear Is here used 1t means the begin
ming OF wisdom: "a good understanding have
all they that do His commandments; thci-
eyes are opened and tho angel" ia seen d.
of NIL wbo
fear into safe paths.
The allusion to the protecting angel finds
ITS inspiration in tho experience of the
prophc, Elisha at Dothan. whittier the Itinp
al syria VINO sought to SHAY him. sent dur
inE the night horses and chariots and a
great host" and compassed the city about
VIII" the good man and his servant silent
when the servant arose early and, looking
out saw the army OF the King surrounding
the city on all sides. he was very much
alarmed and Fastening back to his master
exclaimed Alas. my master. how shall We
H"? Then Elisha answered. Fear not: for
they that be with us arc more than they that
ne WIN them And Elisha prayed and said
Lord pray Thee. open his eyes that he
may see" And the Lord opened the eyes
ct the young man; and he saw and behold
IN" mountain was full OF horses and chario,s
of fire round about Elisha"
christians are fain to appropriate these
suhim" lessons Of faith and inspiration To
- ~ ''''"3''N'H 'N'iHSlNc!S, blt
ia TINS they are mistaken--tho eternal power
pays no favoritcs-lovc is the ruling prin-
cric and II embraces all humanity THE
nous" OF the righteous shall stand" "In
every nation he that fearcth Him and work
cth righteousness. Is accepted with Him"
As before stated. slowly and painfully tho
work Of establishing the world in righteous
ness progresses, and it needs no argument
10 prove that those nations which have held
closest 10 the great moral law of the uni
N'rS" have been exalted the most. The weak
est nations are being lifted UP.
wen might tn" American people exclaim
as their thoughts rccur To tho dangers through
which the republic has passed. THE nations OF
the earth thought to do evil aEains, us hut
God meant IL unto good"