October 11

PART II. — Acts 10:31.

THERE is no subject more copiously and beautifully illustrated in the word of God, than that of faith; and in every instance, Jesus is exhibited as its only object. Faith is likened to sight, then we are called to look unto Jesus, to behold the lamb of

God. Faith is likened to hearing, then the subject is the joyful sound of Jesus' precious name. Faith is likened to eating and drinking; then Jesus is the bread of life, the true manna from heaven, and the only source of the waters of salvation. Faith is compared to the exercise of the hands; then Christ is God's unspeakable gift, which the believing hand thus receives. Faith is likened to building; then Christ is the foundation. To learning; then Christ is the staff of our confidence: to fleeing, then Christ is the city of refuge. Faith is also likened to the committing of a trust, and then all is deposited in the hands of Christ. Thus there is an inseparable connection between faith and Christ; and nothing but faith in Christ will make us partakers of the benefits of his death. Hearing of Christ will not save us, a profession of Christ is not sufficient, but faith in Christ unites us to him, and by it, we receive him, all he is, and all he has become ours. By faith, we credit all his doctrines as our great prophet and apostle; by faith, we trust in his scriptural offering as our great High Priest, and by faith, we honor and submit to him as our lawful monarch,—our only king.—How necessary then that we ascertain as to the existence of the principle of faith within our own hearts. Have we believed? can we say to Jesus, "thou art my Lord and my God"?