March - the Free Presbyterian church of Scotland

72The Free Presbyterian Magazinethings hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” – that faith which sees“Him who is invisible” – which does not look at the things which are seenand temporal, but at the things which are not seen, which are eternal. Theclose connection between faith and love is manifest from the nature of thecase, as no object can be loved which is not perceived; and the more vividlyan object of love is presented to the mind, the more that affection increasesin vigour. The Scriptures also teach that it is “faith which worketh by love”.This connection between faith and love is distinctly and explicitly taught inthe context: “Building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in theHoly Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God”. Let us then often presentthat important petition, “Lord, increase our faith”.(5) But in the words just recited, we are admonished that this desirableobject cannot be accomplished by mere human effort. It is a solemn truththat without Christ we can do nothing. Hence, while we are exhorted to actand to exert ourselves to exercise faith and to keep ourselves in the love ofGod, we are instructed to pray “in the Holy Ghost”. Without the efficient aidof this divine agent, all our efforts will be fruitless; but Christ has graciouslyassured us that the Holy Spirit will be given to those who ask for this bestof gifts. We need this aid that we may pray aright, “praying in the HolyGhost”, and we need the same efficient operation to give exercise to faithand love, and every grace.It is a delightful promise that the Holy Spirit shall take up His abode inbelievers, so that their bodies become, as it were, temples of God. “Herebywe know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.” “Ask,and it shall be given you; seek and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be openedunto you. For every one that asketh receiveth, and he that seeketh findeth,and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of anyof you that is a father, will he give him a stone? Or, if he ask a fish, will hefor a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him ascorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children,how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them thatask Him?”2. Some motives. (1) By doing this we shall best glorify God upon earth.Every true Christian has this as his chief end, but all do not keep the objectsufficiently before their minds; and all do not steadily pursue the coursewhich leads directly to this end. Because inferior objects are visible andoccupy the attention of those around us, they too frequently draw us awayfrom our proper course. Now, to prevent this forgetfulness and unsteadiness,nothing will be as effectual as the lively exercise of the love of God. Thisholy affection will give a right direction to the thoughts and elevate the heart