Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1878-06-05
True Faith.

VINO can properly estimate the power of
faith Without it, it is impossible to
please God 1t is that act of the mind and
heart by which we receive and appropriate
his gifts and promises. Confidence in his
word is we'll pleasing in the sight of our
heavenly Father. He will hide his face
from children in whom is no faith" Other
sins may be forgiven for Jesus sake; but
continued unbelief tramples upon the Son
of God, does despite unto the Spirit of grace,
and thus cuts off the last and only hope of
salvation.
As far as unbelief is condemned, so in
proportion is the grace of faith elevated in
the rank of Christian virtues. Both Scrip
ture and experience magnify its great, its
indispensable Importance. Neither prosper
ity nor adversely can disturb the perfect
peace Of him who possesses this shield, able
to protect from the assaults of "the world,
the flesh and the devil Nor this alone, or
mainly; faith is the "one thing needful !"
il is the channel through which alone the
waters of salvation from Christ, the only
fountain of life and blessing, flow into our
guilty and polluted souls. 1t is the golden
KEY once lost by our first parents, which is
able to open to us again the gates of para
disc. Faith in Christ is not an arbitrary
condition, but absolutely and inherently es-
sential in the heart that receives his sal
walton.
1t was through unbelief and consequent
dsobedience that our first parents lost the
favor of Cod and so far as through the
Holy Spirits influence man again believes
with the heart the Word and promises of
God, his Father and Redeemer, so far is he
restored to the state in which he was
created.
And faith in Christ brings to the Chris
tan richer blessings than Adam lost for
the true believer if engrafted upon Christ,
the true vine, becomes one with him, re.
ceives from him support, nourishment, life
and every blessing sanctifcation, peace and
immortality. The Saviour has pledged him
self to keep all those who through faith thus
truly abide in him. Jesus saith, Because
| live We shall live Also" "My sheep hear
my voice. an they follow me aud they shall
never perish, neither shall any pluck them
out of my hand" What glorious promises !
Life and immortality are brought to light
out of the utter darkness and misery of
fallen man. What reason has the believer
to exclaim, My soul doth magnify the
Lord, and my spirit doth rejoice in God my
Saviour" and in meek humility and self
distrust to add, lord, believe help thou
mine unbelief 2"
Let us then be truly as little children,
willing to learn of Jesus. Let us continu-
ally study his Word and providence, for
faith cometh by hearing" And having
faith ourselves, let it be the great purpose
of our lives to spread abroad through all the
world the knowledge of our Redeemer's
character and gospel, thus becoming teach
ers of the Gentiles in faith and verify" BY
the power of God, the walls of error and
tyranny in all parts of the world are, like
those of Jericho, destined to fall down
fiat" What then remains for the Israel of
God but to "go forward and possess the
land" with unwavering faith in the power
Of his gospel to accomplish every form
And when at length our labors shall cease,
when through grace death shall be swal
lowed up in victory" and faith in full frui-
ton of delight, as we see Jesus enthroned
sovereign of the universe, then shall we re-
member with wonder the weakness of our
present confidence in him, and the slight
interest we now take in his service.-HiS-
tory Of Jericho.