September 11
The Preciousness of Faith
The Christian's Daily Treasury"Precious faith."—2 Pet. 1 1.
OUR present state of existence excludes from our view the glorious realities of the future world; but the Gospel calls on us to believe, though we see not; and on this ground we establish the necessity of faith. In what respects may it be styled "precious"?
IN ITS NATURE. The Christian's faith is denominated saving, in opposition to that which is nominal. It is a grace of the Spirit; it is not in our nature to believe we are born with evil hearts of unbelief. It is the mind's persuasion of its wants, and firm reliance on the Saviour's fulness. But it is called precious, not only for the excellency of its nature, but because of
ITS SCARCITY. It is uncommon; how few possess it! Thus it is said in 1 Samuel 3:1, "The word of the Lord was precious in those days;" that is, it was scarce; "there was no open vision." "Many are called, but few are chosen."
IN ITS SOURCE. Three things plainly show the divine origin of faith: the testimony of Scripture; the inefficiency of human power; and the subjects on whom it is wrought. You may just as well attempt to still the raging of the tempestuous ocean, as, by human instrumentality alone, to turn a sinner from the error of his ways.
IN ITS OBJECT. It looks to Jesus, and unto them which believe he is precious. Faith is the faculty of vision to the soul; it is the eye that beholds the Saviour. It is like the microscope that distinguishes hidden charms, and presents to our mind those excellences which lie undiscovered to the eye of reason.
IN ITS EFFECTS. By faith we are said to be justified and sanctified. It is precious, as it is the bond of our union to Christ. It is the hand that receives, as well as the eye that beholds, the Redeemer. It is precious in the effects it produces, in sorrow and trial; and in the supports it yields in death. Through faith, says one, the world, and all its vanities, like the retiring tide, recede from the heart; while the joys of God's salvation flow in, and fill the soul with substantial and satisfying delights.