July 19
Daily Gleanings of the Saintly LifeFriday after Trinity Sunday
I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me. Galatians 2:20.
FAITH is, from first to last, the gift of God. Whatever precedes, accompanies, follows faith, is of Him. Faith living by love and ending in everlasting peace, is from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Its first beginnings are in His foregoing mercy and grace. Its growth through His love, which "He hath shed abroad in our hearts, through the Holy Ghost Which He hath given us." Perseverance to the end is faith, is His crowning gift. Faith rests not on reasoning or proof, although it uses them; it sees the Unseen, the Invisible. It sees, because it believes, because it loves. It goes a directer way. It lives in heaven. It sees, where it lives and loves. Earth-born clouds hide not its Object from it. It lives above the mists of worldly passions, cares, distractions, in the serene light of love. The heart's deep fervent gaze strengthens its vision, clears what was confused; penetrates what afore was hidden. Love cleanseth its eye, and it beholdeth God. It believes, loves, sees, because He the Object of its belief, and love reveals Himself unto it; yea, comes, as He has promised, unto it and makes His abode in it. Love, then, is the life of faith; obedience, the life of love. Yea, rather, Christ Himself is the life of the soul. Christ liveth in our hearts by faith, and that presence He promiseth to those that love Him and keep His commandments. Wouldest thou have faith and love? wouldest thou that they should revive, grow, be perfected? Obey. For to obedience Christ has promised His presence. His presence is "comfort, life, and fire of love;" the fountain of holiness; the death of sin and self-love; wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; for it is the fulness of Him in Whom dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
Glory to Him from Whom all blessings flow.