III. .b APPEAL '1'0 CmmrruB PB.INCIPLE. (Vers. 38, 39.) The apostle, In con- cluding with an expression of confidence in his readers, continues to borrow the words of Habakkuk (ii. 4-). He thus reminds them that under every dispensation faith has been the instrument of salvation. This great saying, "The just shall live by faith," has become historical. In the time of Habak.kuk it marked off the worship of Jehovah from heatbecism; in the apostolic age (Rom. i. 17; Gal. iii. 11) it distiaguished the pure gospel from legalism; at the Reformation it served to divide scriptural Chris- tianity from Romanism. These six words were to Martin Luther the golden text of the Bible. They sounded within his soul, first, as he sat in bis quiet cell at Wittenberg; a second time during his illness at Bologna; and again at Rome, when he was climbing up Pilste's staircase upon his knees. It was in connection with Luther's perception of the meaning of this text that the great idea of the Reformation began to possess his soul What, then, is the force of this saying of Habakkuk? Clearly it is not to be restricted to the first act of faith; the statement refers to the entire life of the believer. Although justified by faith at the beginning, his justification is continued by means of his persevere.nee in living faith to the end of his earthly course. The whole list of godly achievements referred to in eh. xi. illlllltrates how faith is the foundation of a life of holy obedience and of spiritual triumph. The apostle, therefore, reminds his readers that they must persistently "do the will of God n if they would keep themselves from backsliding unto perdition. Only a life of continued faith will secure "the saving of the soul." Union to Christ, justification, participation in C,'hrist's life, peace of conscience sanctification. the certainty of final redemption from all evil,-tbese, and every oth~r Christian experience, are the effect of sustained and habitual faith. It is faith alon.e which brings us tD the Fountain of life, and keeps us there.
HOMILIES BY VARIOUS AUTHORS. Vem. 6-10.-Tlie imperfect ,acri,ficea and the perfect Bacrifir,e, "Wherefore when be cometh into the world,'' et.e. L TBE DD'EBPEOT BAOBIFIOBS, The imperfection of the legal sacrifices ha.s been exhibited already with considerable fulness. In the preceding verses of this chapter it ill poinwd out that they were mere shadows of the true Sacrifice; they could not cleanse OB. X. 1-39.] 'l'HE EPISTLE TO TID. HEBREWS. 27T