ntributed to his courage. It was
moral strength pitted against brute force. It was the scornful
self-confidence which trusted in a coat of brass and a huge spear
measuring itself against the spirit of faith which became the source of
a finer form of valour. "Thou comest to me with sword and spear,"
David cried, as he saw his foe advancing. "I come to thee in the name
of the Lord of Hosts whom thou hast defied." His trust in God kept his
nerves steady so that he was still able in the presence of that roaring
giant to sling stones at a hair's breadth and not miss. His moral
passion as he went forth to lift that reproach from the banner of his
nation gave strength to his right arm.

The huge Philistine came on, brandishing his spear and roaring out his
wrath. David saw the unprotected spot below the visor of the man's
helmet. He took one of his five smooth stones and slung it with such
force and precision as to strike Goliath full in the forehead, knocking
him senseless. He then ran forward and took the huge sword of his
enemy and cut off his head holding it aloft as a trophy of his courage.
When the Philistines saw their champion fall they fled in terror and
the Israelites pursuing them won a notable victory.

How splendid is the quality of moral courage! How kingly is the man
who can face all manner of danger undaunted because he knows that his
heart is right and his cause is just! He deserves to be crowned. The
battle is the Lord's in the last analysis and He saveth not alone with
sword and spear.

There are sentiments and principles which become deep-rooted in a
nation's life mightier by far than the heaviest battalions. There are
habits of thought and long-cherished convictions which constitute a
more reliable form of defense than all the ramparts and battlements
devised by strategists. A nation of Davids will in the final outcome
outmatch any nation of Goliaths with all their swords and spears. And
in one's personal life the clear conscience and the heart of faith will
bring any man off from any field where he may be sent more than
conqueror through Him who loves us.

This young man showed also a fine capacity for friendship with men.
"His soul was knit with the soul of Jonathan and he loved him as he
loved his own soul." The fine friendship of a man for a man, or the
gracious affection which a woman feels for a woman who is indeed her
friend, becomes a noble form of human relationship. Those tie