Our Apostle speaks of faith. By this you are not to understand that historical faith, by which a man takes all to be true, firm and infallible, which God has revealed in His eternal word. A man can have that by a study of Divine truth which has a certain power of demonstration to the conscience, in convincing him that God alone is the Author of such revelation. The devils themselves believe in this sense and they tremble. Neither are you to understand the faith of miracles; for in the great and universal day shall Christ say unto some, who in His name have cast out devils: 'Depart from me, ye workers of iniquity, I know you not.' Neither understand here temporary faith; for that has no root, neither can it withstand the heat of adversity and persecution.
But understand with me that precious saving faith which is God's priceless gift; whereby the convinced, burdened and heavy-laden sinner goes out of himself and all his own righteousness, unto Jesus, embracing Him and clinging to Him; this is the faith by which the just do live, and receive a share in all the good things of the covenant, whereby we can be saved. Our Apostle says of this saving faith, that without it men cannot please God; this being the doctrine of God's precious word, that all which is not of faith, is sin; and hence, being displeasing to God, it speaks little comfort to those who rest upon their moral and respectable walk, or upon their profession and knowledge, without ever experiencing the heart-renewing grace of God. What do I say? It points out to them that all they do, since it issues not of faith, displeased God, yes angers Him. -Alexander Comrie, The ABC of Faith, in the introduction, pg. XVII-XVIII
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