The contrast between the God of the Bible and the gods of the heathen, in respect to moral character, is of the most thorough and striking kind. Amongst other noticeable points of contrast, observe this: the imaginary deities of the superstitious idolaters are usually famed and feared for their destructive qualities, whilst the Lord is ever represented as a God of salvation, delighting to preserve his people. The bloodthirsty Shiva, one of the most widely worshipped gods of the Hindus, is the destroyer. Jehovah, it is recorded, "preserved David whithersoever he went."

I. THE DANGERS of ordinary human life are many. It is not only kings and warriors who are exposed to peril, though the position of monarchs exposes them to the violence of the assassin, and the occupation of the soldier is in itself a challenge to the dart of death; but in every position of life, at every age and in every clime, we walk encompassed by dangers seen and unseen.

II. DIVINE PROTECTION is a truth supported by revelation. Not by reason of favouritism and caprice, not in response to any superstitious observances or entreaties, but in virtue of his own attributes, God is a Protector. He is not satisfied to create, and then to abandon what he has made. His universal providence, general and particular, is the joy and comfort of his people. It is equally shown in their prosperity and their adversity.

III. Hence THE PRESERVATION OF GOD'S PEOPLE FROM HARM. He is their Shield, and Buckler, their Defence, and Fortress. He delivers their eyes from tears, their souls from death, their feet from falling. The confidence of the psalmist was signal and most instructive (see Psalm 91.). It is a source of security and consolation to know that our times are in God's hands.

"An earthquake may be bid to spare
The man that's strangled with a hair." And when Christians fall victims to the hate and hostility of sinners, or are slain by the operation of natural laws, they still have the assurance that no real evil can befall them.

"Angel-guards from thee surround us;
We are safe, for thou art nigh." Well may the friend of Jesus exclaim, "I will trust and not be afraid."

IV. The obligation is plain, GRATEFULLY TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE PRESERVING MERCY OF GOD. The royal psalmist was not backward in recording with adoring gratitude the delivering and upholding mercy of a faithful God. Never should we forget that he that is our God is the God of salvation. - T.

If we have conquered an enemy we must hold the conquest as an illustration of the power of God rather than of the skill of our own might or hand. The idols which we bring away from the lands of darkness are to be set up in God's house, and are to mark points in the progress of Christian civilisation. They are to be regarded as indications of a universal conquest which Christ has yet to win over the nations of the whole world. If we have brought back spoils — such as art, music, or any form of pleasure by which the popular mind can be touched and moved in an upward direction — we are to remember that in all these spoils we are to see the Divine power, and not proofs of our own military genius.

(J. Parker, D. D.)