—It is a gift of God to every man; for what have we that we did not receive? (See 1 Cor. 4: 7.) Faith, as before stated, is receiving the word of God, submitting to the word, or, in other words, choosing God’s will and way; and the power of choice God has given to every man. Into the sacred circle of free choice Divinity will not enter to compel either acceptance or rejection. We must choose or refuse. God pleads with us to “choose life” that we may live. He pleads with the hoarded love of eternity to come unto him and find rest, but he will not compel or coerce. This power of choice—of accepting or rejecting, of submission or rebellion—God has given to every intelligent, responsible soul. If he accept the word of God, if he submit to the will that gave it, he will find increasing faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10: 17. Let him listen to God speaking in his word. Let him hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling him to green pastures beside the waters of rest. Let him hear God’s hatred of sin and compassion for the sinner. Listen intently, joyfully, as he says: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” “Thy sins be forgiven thee.” “Thine iniquity is purged.” “Ye are all children of God by faith.” All this and much more is true to the one who believes; for “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This is what the word of God will do when received. “Now,” says Jesus, “are ye clean through the word I have spoken unto you.” To have this truth is the blessed privilege of every soul, for “God is no respecter of persons.”