Of the good which arises from the boldness of faith, conquering the fear of man.
1.THE eleventh chapter to the Hebrews lays an ample foundation for reflections on the glorious effects of faith, and on that power of God which hath at all times so exerted itself in true believers: but here it will be necessary to bid you take heed of making God changeable, by saying with the unbelieving world, “This indeed has been done formerly, but now miracles are ceased.” For by this false maxim, suggested from the bottomless pit, the highest dishonour is thrown upon the living God, all his promises are made void, all the examples he hath set before our eyes are absolutely useless and impertinent; yea, and all his calls and allurements to an active faith, are rendered null and insignificant. And whereas, in truth, we have none to blame but ourselves, for not treading in the same footsteps of faith, in which the saints of old walked; and consequently, for not seeing the glory of God as they did, we hereby cast all the blame upon God, and the difference of times: whereas the difference, in reality, lies not in the times, but in the persons.
For though it cannot be said, that every believer now must do the very same works that were done by Abraham or Moses, yet ought every one to “follow the faith” of these holy men, and to exert the same with full power and energy, in that state and condition wherein God hath placed him, and in those circumstances that daily offer; and in so doing he may be fully assured, that he (as well as they) shall see the glory of God. And with such a heart and mind are the scriptures to be read, and the examples and glorious effects of faith to be considered, that so we may receive strength and holy boldness, more nearly to unite ourselves with God, and to enjoy his infinite love and faithfulness in a more ample and abundant manner.
2. Now because faith, though it be so high and precious a gift of God, is not commonly esteemed according to its dignity, it is the more needful to observe, what the scripture throughout teacheth, that all the good which was ever wrought in the world by man, was done by faith; whereby men are so united to God, that “all things are possible” to them. Wherefore it is highly necessary, with all plainness and earnestness, to represent, not only to the world, but to the children of God too, that faith is something far more glorious than reason can conceive or express; for till a man is sensible of this, he is utterly unable to comprehend what an inestimable treasure it brings with it. But when once he comes to know that it is the substance ὑπόστασις, the ground and bottom of things hoped for, whereon, as an immoveable foundation, all the inconceivable goods we hope for, do rest; and an [♦]ἔλεγχος, or convincing evidence and testimony of the Spirit, which assures us beyond all doubt of things not seen: I say, where faith is thus known and felt in a man’s heart, then he sees the advantage of that faith which overcometh all fear of man, and is of so large a compass, as to contain all, and more than all we can ask or think.
[♦] “ἔλενχος” replaced with “ἔλεγχος”
For then he discovers, that it is faith which delivers a man from all evil of soul or body; and on the other hand, puts him in possession of sovereign bliss, and fills him with the fulness of God; yea, and that whenever (either in the Old or New Testament) he would perform any thing great and glorious, he hath always employed those whom faith had set free from the slavish fear of man. A single man, setting aside the fear of flesh and blood, and going forth in the name of the living God, hath frequently saved a whole nation. And what was more remarkable in the apostles, at their beginning to preach the gospel, than their great boldness; at which the high-priest, scribes, and elders stood amazed? And for this reason they are set before us as examples; teaching, by the victory of their faith, to confess Christ before all men without fear, and bear his cross, that we may partake of his glory.
Reflections upon the conduct of
HUMAN LIFE;
With reference to learning and knowledge.
Extracted from Mr. Norris.