Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1900-03-20

iniquities deserve" The prophet speaks
of mercy in the midst of deserved
wrath: and the Psalmist says: He
hath not dealt with us after our sins.
iqulties.' Looking upon the earth, God
saw that all flesh had corrupted his
way. He might have whetted the
sword of vengeance to inflict deserved
punishment upon the sinner; but grace
interposed. Where sin abounded.
grace did superabound, that as sin had
reigned unto death, even so might grace
reign unto eternal life.
The apostle also declares the channel
through which grace operates to effect
salvation. faith. The sun shines
whether men see or not, but for all the
purposes Of illuminate ton 1t shines in
VAN for those who have no eyes. Water
In ineNhaustible abundance does not
meet with the wants of q city, unless
1t Is rightly appropriated. There must
pc some connection between supply
and demand: and so pipes are laid
through which the water flows. Abund
ance of grace makes salvation posi-
Die; but 1t abounds in vain to those
Who will not believe in Jesus. To him
give all the prophets witness that
through his name whosoever believeth
shall receive remission of sins. Do you
want life from the dead? He that be-
ileveth hath everlasting life, and shall
not come into condemnation; but Is
passed from death unto life. Do YOU
want peace? Being justified by faith.
we nave peace with God. Do you want
healing? Being of good comfort, thy
faith hath made thee whole. Do YOU
want a place in Gods family? Who
soever believeth that Jesus is the Christ
is born of God. Do you want assur-
ance against the time to come? Time
would fail to tell of those who through
faith have subdued Kingdoms, wrought
righteousness, obtained promises.
stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched
the violence of fire, escaped the edge
or the sword, waXed valiant in fight,
put 10 flight armies of opposition; but
the assurance is given for every emer-
gency, thy grace is sufficient for thee
rms is the victory that overcometh the
world, even your faith.
In the EpiStle to Romans Paul tells
why faith is made the medium of SAL
walton: 1t is of faith, that it might be
by grace, so that the promise might
secure to all the elect. Faith is not 4
meritorious act; it is not even great
act. for child can believe. The struc-
ture OF the mind requires belief in any
thing shown to DE true. If n child can
believe; il the mind naturally receives
the truth, what possible hardship can
there be In the demand that men re-
evidence Is various and invincible. Tcs-
timony Is given in imperishable records
OF the New Testament, and on the ex-
perience of countless souls who have
found Him precious, and at last have
walked with Him into the valley of
death. Before such evidence only n
reprobate mind can refuse assent, and
Tor such there remains the awful SEN
tence: Ye shall die in your sins.
RELIGIOUS NOTES.
Very large congregations heard two
able and eloquent sermons from Rev.
a. Coke Smith, D. d., at Epworth NJ.
E. Church Sunday.
Bishop A. NJ. Randolph preached at
st. Paurs Episcopal Church Sunday
morning and confirmed class of seven
persons.
Bishop Randolph preached at Grace
Episcopal Church (colored) Sunday
afternoon and administered the rite OF
confirmation on eight candidates.