2. Its influential energies —
[Nothing but faith will produce an abiding influence upon the soul. How that will operate, we see at large in the 11th chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews: and to have it operate in that way upon his people's minds, will be the continued aim of every pious minister. He will not be content to see them "run, as uncertainly; or fight, as one that beateth the air :" he would have them like people engaged in the race, who have no time to look about them ; and as people in actual combat, who must either slay their adversary, or be slain. We need not ask why those persons so exert themselves : the reason is plain : with them, the duty to which they are called is a reality. Others may trifle ; but they cannot : they have too much at stake. Others may think it an easy thing to get to heaven : they find it calls for the utmost exertion of all their powers. Others may imagine that they have within themselves a sufficiency of all needful strength : they know that a new-born infant is not weaker than they ; and that, if not aided by continual supplies of grace and strength from above, they must inevitably and eternally perish. Hence they " live altogether by faith in the Son of God ;" applying to him for every thing, and " receiving every thing out of his ful- ness." This is living Christianity : this is practical religion : and to this every pious minister labours to bring his people ;