The St. Louis Republic., 1902-08-16
Topic: "The Life of Faith" Gen.

Topic: "The Life of Faith" Gen.
XII, 1-5; Heb. XI, 1-6g
The young peoples topic for tomorrow
evenings conference in the different de-
nominational circles is. THE Life of
Faith" founded on two scriptures: Genesis
XII. Is. and Hebrews Il, 1-6.
The term faith IS variously used IN
Scripture and has been defined in many
wayE. But perhaps the most complete detini-
ton IL that given by the apostle IN the open
Ing verse OF the eleventh chapter of He
brewe:"Now faith is the substance of things
hoped for, the evidence of things not seen
Or. translating more literally, Faith IL
the substratum or basis of things hoped
other words, it is the realization of that
promised, and making it the basis of ones
basic element in the Christian life.
OBEDIENCE-One of the first elements
dience to the Divine mind and will. We are
told that ''by faith Abraham. when he was
called to go into place which he should
obeyed; and he went out not knowing
whittier he went" This was certainly an
act Of supreme obedience. and IS perhaps
told Saul, King of Israel. that ito obey is
better than sacrifice, and to hearken than
heareth these sayings of mine and doeth
them, 1 will liken him TO wise man who
built his house upon al Toek S,,, Oeedence Is
Is fundamental. Nothing whatever can take
its place.
And yet there are many that seem to think
1t possible to substitute partial obedience for
full obedience Christ drew the line SHARP
when ne said Ye cannot S serHe SecoIo G9d ana ana
disciple. let him deny himself. and take UP
his cross and follow me- He that IS
not for me is against me; and he that
gathereth not with me. scattereth abroad
Peter when arraigned before the Jew sh
Sanhedrin said. We ought TO obey God
rather than man." This, then, is one Of the
first lessons Of the Christian HE. The young
Christian should shape his whole life on
this basis. and in the end it will be found TO
be the only safe course. What a world of
disappointment and regret would be saved
by prompt and full obedience TO the will OF
TRUST-The next element in the life of
faith Is trust Here again Abraham affords
a striking Illustration. BY faith he So
journed in the land as in a strange coun-
try, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and
Jacob. the heirs with him Of the same
promise; for he looked for city which
hath foundations. whose builder and maker
is God" Again. by faith Abraham when
he was tried offered up Isaac; and he that
had received the promises offered up his
only begotten son; accounting that GOD
was able to raise him up. even from the
dead; from whence he also received him in
figure" Thus he showed his absolute
trust in God that he would make good all
Now. in the Christian life of to-day we
are bound to trust God in the same way
First of all. we rest in the promise made
we are to take the many promises made
ms in Gods Word and bank them, so to
sneak We are to take them at full face
vaIIe ave even at a premium, no matter
to what phase of life they may refer. 1t
must be remembered that al the promises
made in Gods Word are yea and amen
in Christ Jesus" This IS easier said than
done but IL must be done il we would
have peace of conscience and joy In the
HoIy Ghost" Read the twenty-thlrd psalm
and note its precious promises. Read also
the Sermon on the Mount, and meoltate
upon Christ's many promises Oh that we
might rest In them more than We do.
FAITHFULNESS-A third element IN the
life OF faith is that of faithfulness in the
performances OF known duty. Here again
Abraham affords good illustration When
the angel of the Lord came for the de-
struction of Sodom and Gomorrah. he said:
children and his household after him: ana
they shall keen the way OF the Lord" so
also Joshua on the day of his death, when
he said in the presence of all Israel: As
for me and my house. we will serve the
Lord" There Is much need to-day for
TOO many desire to live a sort of optional
life Of faith. Many have an aversion to
the term duty" preferring to do they
please Then. too. they wish TO play
fast and loose with the world, and so
live q sort of ping pong" Christian life.
press teachings of Christ Says he: IF
We keen my commandments ye shall abide
In my love; even as 1 have kept my Fa-
theirs commandments and abide in his love"
II is ours, therefore, to so trust and
obey that the pathway Of duty shall be-
come the pathway Of pleasure; And It ,,is Is
a lie Of faith. The greatest joy in this
world - ths joy Ct service. Its difficulties