The result of all this was a very sunny Christianity. He was not without his trials—what Christian is? But, with all, he seemed to have real enjoyment of his religion. The good news was good news to him, and he shewed it. “He joyed in God.”
O for a few more Christians of the same sort—men and women who believe, and live as if they believed! What a reproach would be rolled from the faith if we could but hold up our heads a little more! We do not want any alteration of doctrine to make Christian truth more attractive, but we do want more attractive cheerfulness in those who believe and know that truth.
Such, then, brethren in outline at least, is the faith which you and I are to follow. God would have us remember this guide, who thus spoke to us His word, and imitate, or copy, his faith.
Are you, at this present speaking, an unbeliever? Solemnly and personally, God calls upon you to believe. Do not say that it is out of the question for such an one as you are. Here was one who, like yourself, was once a stranger to God. But he obtained mercy. “The grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant toward him in faith.” That grace is offered to you—can work in you. Go to God for it as he went. You are invited to come. He is waiting to be gracious. He cannot deny you. Tell Him that you have come in Christ’s name, for the blessedness of those who know the joyful sound, and you will go forth walking in the light of His countenance.
Are you weak in faith? Be encouraged by this example, to believe more fixedly, more confidently. You have the same warrant, the same ground for your faith to rest upon—the word of truth, the Gospel of your Salvation. That assures you that all is done for you,—that a double punishment has been laid for you upon the Surety,—a double satisfaction rendered on your behalf by Him (Isaiah xl., 2), “Look at Christ set before you in the Gospel, and faith will come into exercise.” Then you will come to rest where our departed friend rested. It is no impossible attainment, no act of presumption. When the Lord is saying “Eat, O friends, yea drink—drink abundantly, O beloved,” surely we ought not to reply to His large-hearted offers with any other response than a large-hearted confidence.
And you, brethren, who are walking in the steps of this faith, set it still before you. Be not slothful. Follow on. Carry out this principle of foundation-faith which I have been illustrating.
You have still much to gain. You can never sit down like the conqueror in old day who wept because there were no more worlds to conquer. There remaineth yet much land to be possessed. There are many enemies to be overcome. There is much grace to be attained to. There is a closer intimacy and fellowship with the Lord Jesus to be won. For all this faith must be in action.
You have still much to meet. Duties—decisions—disappointments—cares—troubles. The pressure will be great both from within and from without. You have to learn better how to refer all things to a spiritual standard—how to commit everything to the guidance of a faithful and present God—how to endure as seeing Him who is invisible. For all this faith must be increased. It is the only secret of power.
If you aim at this, suffer me to remind you of that in our departed friend which tended to make his faith what it was.
No plant of righteousness can grow without being nourished in secret. No Christian soul can thrive unless it be fed from hidden sources. Our friend knew this, and therefore largely used those “nether springs” of the Word of God and prayer. He loved both. With both his hand was diligent, and by this diligence he was made rich.