The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1873-08-14
For the anderson HatelHgsncer.
Hone and Faith

FOR the ANDERSON UatetH9eHCe''
Hope and Faith
This subiect--though really two questions
bearing on moral and spiritual progress, they
being inseparably connecFed-is invested or
surrounded and connected with the lives of all,
but especially those of the pure and just. This
question has peculiar interest; more than the
unobservantl may know. Bope lis an attendant
at very early age, and inspires the young in
yariodsways 1t is more perfectly Developed
by maturity of thought anc experience, vary
ing in its effects and power according to the
circumstances that man may De placed IN.
Hope deferred is sometimes a cross, though 1t
is fortified and is conducted on by dhe more
powerful support and glander inspiration,
which is known by the name of faith. I'm
plicit faith in man is rare, and should be in
human affairs sparingly entertained. The child
has implicit faith in the protection and abiding
love of his parents towards hilA. That is one
faith, and has been, as many can show in their
childhood experience, beautifully and devoted
" illustrated. Hope is the desire Of some
good, and is ever sustained by the faith that
the good or benefits we seek are possible or in
reasonable probability of attainment. Hope
actuates the springs Of fthe heart and mind, and
diffuses itself in and around our daily actions;
and of course our thoughts, if founded on
rational hope, are directed to proper subjects
that lead happily on, supporting under trials,
crosses and weighty Affections.
In the ordinary events of life, as one instance
of the power of hope, it never deserts pious
mothetin conflict with straying child. Her
effort to save, guided by the mostpowerful love,
is continuous, ingenious, and never yields, con-
stantly hoping that something will cause him
to turn. Often the wife, actuated by the
noblest love, contends against q drunken hus=
band. ;And what is it but unyielding hope
that directs her, and faith in God? Hope,
faith, and consequently that which is beautiful
" and gracefully attractive in life, is higher
wrought by woman in and around her peculiar
sphere; refining, eleyating, and commanding
the respect and love of all who are pure in
heart or lofty in sentiment. These experiences
are common in life, in and out of the pale OF
pure, Christian influence,
But now, Christian, your hope and faith
planted as they are on belief in an eternal
reward, having final faith in the infinite power
and goodness of the Creator-places you on
ground with hopes and few fears, that the un-
converted are strangers to. When the mind,
heart and actions are invested, ,beseiged and
prostrate almost before the powers of sin, some
thing interposes it is caused, perhaps, by
latent hope and it is repentance. Complete
and thorough repentance causes the beautiful
messengers of hope and faith to appear, and
min pisces himself humbly, as creature,
seeking for grace at the Throne of Him "who
deems even Seraphs insecure" Yes, Divine
grace lifts the veil; clouds, storms, sin and the
powers of darkness are swept off in moment;
new spiritual existence is started the beauty,
glory and attraction of holiness is presented.
You are pardoned, and this is called regenera-
ton Of heart or new heart; ilewness of life,
and therefore of motives. 1t is the work Of
hope in the goodness of God, and complete
faith in His promises. The Holy Scriptures
abound in monuments of faith, actuated by
hope that all would be we'll. The very noted
example of Abraham in the trial of his faith
is one, and will suffice. This and others in the
Divine Law are familiar to the Christian. In
stances might be noted of hope and faith in
the transactions of life, but we will desist
Have I'VE abiding, firm hope and faithf The
Christian has.