---

Faith, like all Christian graces, is a thing of growth, and therefore capable of degree.

I. FAITH IS DIRECT KNOWLEDGE. It is a kind of intuition.

1. It does not depend, like scientific knowledge, on the testimony of the senses.

2. It does not rest, like judicial decisions, on the truthfulness of witnesses, and the consistency of evidence.

3. It is not founded, like mathematical convictions, on logical demonstration.

4. Intellect combines these together to reveal the soul to itself.

5. Faith thus perceives the wants of the soul, and the fitness of revealed truth to satisfy them.

II. FAITH ACTS ON A PERSON. Its object is God — Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

1. A person is more complex than any proposition, and offers to the soul an immense number of points of contact. It is an undeveloped universe.

2. A person is a profounder reality than a doctrine. Character is more steadfast than a theory.

3. God is the universe, and can sympathise with every soul. God in Christ is a universe of mercy to the sinner.

III. IT CONCERNS THE WEIGHTIEST DESTINIES OF THE SOUL AND IS ATTESTED BY CONSCIENCE.

1. It does not tolerate indifference.

2. It arouses the faculties to their utmost.

3. It comes in contact with revealed holiness. The soul cannot rest in evil. It requires truth and justice.Without these it is a lever without a fulcrum.

1. Faith gives rest without indifference.

2. It provides happiness without delusion.

(J. Peters.)

---

---

KJV: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

WEB: Behold, he will kill me. I have no hope. Nevertheless, I will maintain my ways before him.