Nevada County picayune., 1890-04-30
FAITH
Have faith in God.-[ Mark xii l2.

Of all true religion. Indeed, It may safely be affirmed that it is the vital principle of all religion, whether true or false. The Hlndoo mother would not throw her child into the Ganges but for her faith in her false religion. The Catholic would not confess his sins to the priest but for the belief that the priest has power to secure their remission. There can be no communion between God and man without faith. In fact, faith is the basis of all pleasant intercourse be- tween God and man. St. Paul says, without faith it is impossible to please God; and it may truly be said, without faith it is impossible even to please man.
 There are many different kinds of faith, it's character in every case de- pending on the objects to which it is applied. Commercial or business faith IS that confidence which lies at the foundation of all commercial or business transactions. Social faith is the bond and cement of society in all it's notifications. Family faith is the pledge and guarantee of all true domestic happiness. So that faith, when viewed in its various aspects and relations, is seen to be a grand and universal principle of action. Religious faith, however, is the kind about which we propose to treat more specifically, as it stands upon a higher plane, and has God and truth and right for it's objects.
 The religions faith is the belief of Gospel truth with the heart, ''for with the heart man believeth unto ighteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" But some will say, faith is involun- tary, and, therefore, we are not re- sponsible for our faith. Now, we are free to confess that in it's last analysis faith is involuntary, or that it necessarily arises upon the presen- tation of it's objects with satisfactori- ly evidence to authenticate their claims. But through voluntary ig- norance, or carelessness, or willful perversity, the means of faith may be neglected and thus willful unbe- lief is the result.
 In worldly affairs men are con- stantly suffering from willful and perserve neglect of the means of knowledge. The Bible is like a sealed book to many, because they refuse to read and study it's precious contents. Faith cometh by hear ing, and hearing by the word of God" The power to believe is be- slowed upon all, and every man is responsible for the proper use and i improvement of this power. ""The Gospel is the power of God unto sal vation to every one that believeth." :" No one who rejects the Gospel in Christian lands will be excused on account of inability to believe and ohey it's teachings; for all can com- ply with its acquisitions who are will ing to do so Tn the exercise of re- pentance, faith and obedience.
 The proofs and evidences of b,t T ternal--thc external appeal to the mind, the internal to the heart The one says, come now and let us reason together; the other says, if any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God. Faith may exist without charity, but chari- ty cannot exist without faith. Faith climbs the ladder that Jacob saw, and moves the almighty arm that moves the universe. The love of honor and the love of sin are are the chief obstacles to it's exercise among men. Men love darkness rather than light because their deeds are evil. Again, how can ye believe who receive honor one of another?
 Faith is essential to salvation, so much so that no one can be saved without faith. Faith without works is dead;" the devils have this kind of faith, for it is said they be- lieve and tremble. Wicked men may have this sort of faith, yea, many nominal professors go thus far, nev- ertheless they are in the broad road to destruction. A faith that works by love and purifes the heart is the kind of faith which God accepts, and which he will honor with everlasting life.
 Reader, strive for that faith, the faith of Gods elect, the faith by winch souls are saved. Having ob- tained this precious faith, hold it steadfast to the end. Remember the glorious promise, "be thou faithful unto death, and l will give thee crown of life
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