these, he is happy. In a word, *' he walks by faith :" and every step he takes is under the influence of that principle. Faith is to the Christian what the compass is to the mariner in the trackless ocean: under all circumstances he consults its testimony, and follows its directions : and, in so doing, he fears not but that in due time he shall arrive at his destined haven. This was the character of the Apostle Paul : and it is the character of every true Christian under heaven: " the life which he now lives in the flesh, he lives by the faith of the Son of God, who loved him, and gave himself for him^?"]
But as to those who understand not his views he appears to act absurdly, we will proceed to mark —
II. The reasonableness of his conduct in this respect — Doubtless the people who are strangers to this principle must " gaze strangely at" the Christian, and account him almost mad. The overlooking with comparative contempt all that he has ever seen, and following with all possible ardour things which no mortal eye ever did see, must appear the height of folly and enthusiasm ; and we wonder not if many should say to him, " Thou art beside thyself; much thoughtfulness hath made thee mad." But we reply, that there is no comparison between the wisdom of walking by faith or of being actuated by sight.
The principle of faith is, 1. More exalted in its objects —
[The objects of sense are all poor, and mean, and worth- less. Take all that eye ever saw, or ear heard, or heart con- ceived; and it would not weigh against one glimpse of the Saviour's glory, or one taste of his love. Besides, it is all transient and of very short duration. But think of Almighty God and his covenant of grace ; think of the Lord Jesus Christ, and all the wonders of redeeming love ; think of heaven, and all its glory and blessedness ; and then say, which are most deserving of our regard? In attaching ourselves to the one, we degrade ourselves to the state of unenlightened heathens, I had almost said, of the brute beasts ; but by living wholly with a reference to the latter, we emulate, as it were, the glorified saints and angels. The one is as high above the other, as the heavens arc above the earth.]
2. More certain in its testimony —
c Gal. ii. 20.