THE ARTICLES OF THE CHRISTIAN FAITH. INTRODUCTION. THE subject of FAITH may seem to be unnecessarily brought before believers as requiring explanation. And yet only to the "earnestminded" can the present volume be usefully addressed. Entering upon no metaphysical reasonings as to the nature and meaning of Faith,-a word fully comprehended in this bright period of Revealed Knowledge of the Truth as it is in JESUS',-my object in this work is to draw attention to the spiritual consolation and practical influence Faith should exercise on the faithful. . 1 Eph. iv. 21. B Addressing myself to those who already stedfastly believe all the Articles of the Christian Faith, I seek to lead them to "furtherance and joy of faith." No reader of this work will differ from me in attaching greater importance to the higher aim of Faith when the believer seeks (in life as well as in death) to be to the praise of God's glory, than to that earthly estimate of resting Faith in GOD because "He is a Rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." And when it is considered how often Faith is exclusively exercised with reference to the anticipation of personal blessedness hereafter, it will be acknowledged that the full meaning of St. Paul's definition, "He that cometh to GOD must believe that He is," is, even by the faithful, frequently lost sight of. The explanation usually given of "Heaven" may be serviceably glanced at in confirmation of the view here taken. To the heart burdened with cares of this life how soothingly does the term Heaven convey the thought of rest! To the bereaved does not the mention of those 'many mansions" bring solacing expectation 2 Eph. i. 3-7. 3 Job iii. 17. |