February 22

Whatsober is not of faith is sin. — ROMANS xiv. 23.

O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt? — MATT. xiv. 31.

PETER'S perilous enterprise had in it a good deal of presumption, and very little faith. Happy he who has been taught to discern the difference between these two. Faith accepts duty even when there is danger. Presumption accepts danger even when there is no duty. True faith is never foolhardy. It may dare anything at the call of the Master, but it may dare nothing recklessly. He who trusts God need not fear. He who tempts God need not hope.

But there was an element of vanity as well as of presumption in Peter's behavior. It would be a great feat if he could walk on the tempestuous waves. Mingled with the enthusiasm of his affection was an ambition to exhibit his bravery. This neutralized what little faith was in him. Faith will have nothing to do with display. When self-conceit enters in, the virtue of faith oozes out. Self-trust and Christ-trust are mutually exclusive. Vanity forestalls victory. True faith, like true charity, vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly. Fear and trembling are the steadfast friends of triumphant faith. If when the difficulties of life thicken, we have nothing to support us but our own ardent feelings and enthusiastic resolves, we must surely be overcome: but if we can look away from our troubles to Christ, and say, though heart and flesh faint and fail, "Thou art the strength of my heart and my portion forever," we will walk unflinchingly on the floods. "This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith."

Thos B. McLeod

Increase our faith, and clear our vision, Lord,

Help us to take thee at thy simple word;

No more with cold distrust to bring thee grief,

Lord, we believe, help thou our unbelief! W. F. SHERWIN