July 1

The Lord is thy keeper.—Psalms 121:5.

THE condition of believers on earth is one of weakness, and danger: they are poor pilgrims passing through this desert world,—

"To fairer worlds on high."

In themselves they have no strength to perform the duties devolving upon them, much less have they any might to contend against their powerful and numerous adversaries. How delightful is it then to reflect that they are not left to their own resources. How cheering to be able to say "The Lord is on my side, the Lord is my keeper." All that the believer has, is kept by the Lord. Their persons are always precious in his sight; the very hairs of their head are all numbered. He does not suffer their feet to be moved. He preserves their going out, and their coming in. The sun smites them not by day, nor the moon by night. He keeps them from all evil, and he blesses them for evermore. Then their souls are the objects of his especial solicitude and care. These he hath redeemed with the inexpressible price of his precious blood. And he cannot but prize, what he hath so dearly bought. Yes, he is their invincible shield, from the attacks of the devil. He blesses their souls with the constant supplies of his grace, and matures them for everlasting life. Then their faith and hope are also in his keeping. In his mercy they trust, and in him do all his people hope. They commit by faith and hope, all their immortal concerns into his hands, until that day. Their faith he strengthens and increases, by the supplies of his grace. And having begun the good work, he performs it until the day of Christ. Their hope he invigorates and brightens, irradiates their celestial path, and makes it brighter and brighter, unto the perfect day. Shall we not then, commit the keeping of both body and soul, into his hands, in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

"Jesus protects; my fears begone!

What! can the Rock of Ages move?

Safe in thy arms I lay me down,

Thy everlasting arms of love,"