HOW FAITH ACTS by C. P. B.

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 10, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 22.

“HOW FAITH ACTS.”

By C. P. B.

“HOW FAITH ACTS” is the title of an article in a recent number of the Golden Gate, in which exception is taken to the following paragraph, which appeared in this paper a week or two since:—

“Faith has, as it were, two hands. With the one hand it is constantly rolling upon Christ every worry, every sorrow, every trial, every crushing and overwhelming demand, so that never a thing comes to the soul for a moment or touches it, but that the soul at once relieves itself of its burden by casting that burden upon the Saviour.”

The Golden Gate says: “We do not call that faith but selfishness. What on earth or in heaven did that man Christ do to receive such inconsiderate, cruel treatment from mankind, and how contemptible does man become in thus shirking the burdens of life, that are evidently designed for each mortal wayfarer to share in bearing!”

Our critic evidently misapprehends the nature and design of faith. And as to the question, “What has Christ done to deserve such treatment?” we reply, He died that he might bear the burdens of those who put their trust in him. He has invited all to cast their burdens upon him, he has promised to sustain them in so doing, and there is no selfishness in availing ourselves of this privilege. The expression, “casting our burdens upon the Lord,” can be fully understood only by those who have experienced the relief to be obtained in this way. It adds nothing to the burdens of the Lord, as he is infinite, neither does it relieve the Christian of all responsibility or of all agency in the matter. It is simply the exercise of that faith which assures the possessor that “all things work together for good to them that love God;” a feeling of perfect resignation and assurance that God doeth all things well. And with this feeling of trust and confidence in God, comes relief from the burden which before seemed so heavy.

We may illustrate this matter thus: A ship is at sea in dark, cloudy weather. The man at the wheel is steering according to the captain’s directions, whom he knows to be an excellent seaman, but as the weather becomes more threatening, he loses courage and is in a perfect agony for fear the vessel is about to be dashed upon the rocks. But a comrade reasons with him and says: “Why not trust it all to the captain? You are bearing a great burden which was never designed for you; just trust it all to the captain. Exercise faith in his ability to navigate the ship, and all will be well.” The poor man at the wheel heeds the advice, he recognizes the truth of what his friend has said, and immediately his great burden is gone. Nevertheless the man remains at his post ready to obey every command. He works just as he worked before, but without the burden. And just so it is with the Christian; he has his work to do according to the directions which he has from the great Captain of his salvation, but it is his privilege at all times to cast his burden of care on that Captain, knowing that, whatever happens, all will be well. C. P. B.