FAITH by A. O. LANPHEAR

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 4, 1862

FAITH

By A. O. LANPHEAR

FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Without faith it is impossible to please God; and when we come before him, we should come believing that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. And when we come to him in prayer, we should come with humbleness of heart, and faith to believe that he will hear and answer our petitions.

Good old Abraham looked with an eye of faith to the inheritance which was promised him. He looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. It was by faith that Moses, after he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, for he chose rather to suffer afflictions with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season. He esteemed the reproach of Christ greater than the riches or treasures of Egypt. It was by faith that he led the children of Israel through the Red sea.

And you will find by perusing the Scriptures that all the holy prophets had faith, and also the disciples of Jesus; for the just shall live by faith. The Saviour says, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, if ye should say unto this mountain, remove hence to yonder place, it shall remove: and nothing shall be impossible unto you. The apostle James says, The prayer of faith shall save the sick. And in another place, The fervent, effectual prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

How important it is that we have strong faith in God; and we should have our trust in him who watches over us from day to day, when Satan’s darts around us are hurled on every side, and he tries to draw us away from the path of duty and rectitude, if it were possible. O, what a time we are living in; and do we realize it as we ought? Do we see the necessity of living nearer to Christ, and leaning upon his arm for strength to support us in hours of trouble and affliction? And have we that living faith and hope that will buoy us up above these gloomy shades, above this dark, delusive world? Do we realize the storm that is fast gathering upon us? Do we realize the perilous times in which we live? O, I am afraid we do not. I am afraid we are too lukewarm in the cause of Christ. Let us then awake and put on the armor of God, and fight manfully the good fight of faith, and finally gain the reward of the righteous, eternal life in the kingdom of God.

Let us get ready speedily for the coming of our Saviour, for his coming is not far distant. The wheels of time are fast rolling round, and fast hastening on that great and terrible day to the wicked, but a happy day to his dear saints. Let us begin now, and try to live up to all his requirements, and follow in the example which he has left us for a pattern. Let us pray to God daily for his assisting grace to help us to run the Christian race with patience, so that when Jesus comes we may be one of that happy number that shall receive the welcome, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”

A. O. LANPHEAR.

Nile, N. Y.