The work of the Holy Spirit - pagina 420

:

FAITH

38o

And when

the easy-going people say,

retain our simplicity

;

what

is

"

Above

all

things let us

the use in our Christian faith of all

those wearisome distinctions,"

we would ask

of

them whether

in

who

in

the case of a surgical operation they would prefer a surgeon

no matter where or how; or in case of sickan apothecary who simply puts a mixture together from his

his simplicity only cuts ness,

various jars and bottles, regardless of the

names

of the drugs; or,

example, in case of a sea-voyage, would they embark in a vessel whose captain, chary of the use of charts and into take another

struments, in sweet simplicity steers his ship, merely trusting in ^s luck?

And wnen demand

they answer, as they must, that in such cases they

professionals thoroughly acquainted with the smallest de-

tails of their professions,

and of

we ask them in the name of the Lord Him, how they can go to work so and thoughtlessly, when it concerns spir-

then

their accountability unto

simply,

i.e.,

so carelessly

itual disease, or the

voyage across the unfathomable waters

of life,

as tho in these matters thoughtful discrimination were immaterial.

We

refuse, therefore, to be influenced

by that sickly

talk about

simplicity regarding faith, or by the impious cry against a so-called

dogmatism, but shall diligently seek to give an exposition of the being of faith, which, eradicating error, will point out the only safe

and

reliable path.

As a

starting-point, let

it

be plainly understood that there

is

a

sharp distinction between saving faith and the faith which in the various spheres of

life is

When Columbus

is

called "faith in general."

incited,

by

internal compulsion, to direct

his restless eye across the western ocean to the world

there expects with almost absolute certainty,

and

we

which he

call this faith,

with this instinctive inclination in the mind of Columbus

yet,

saving faith has nothing to do.

And

the preacher, using this and

similar examples otherwise than as a faint analogy, does not ex-

plain but obscures the matter, and leads the Church in the

wrong

direction.

Sometimes we have among our children one whose mind is conby an unconscious aim or idea, that leaves him no rest. In after years it may appear to be his life's aim and purpose.

stantly occupied

This

is

the compulsion of an inward law belonging to his nature

the mysterious, constraining activity of a ruling idea governing his

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