The objects of faith are twofold,--truths addressed to the understanding,--and benefits offered or promised. We have formerly had occasion to trace the action of faith in regard to truth,--especially a class of truths which are calculated, when really believed, to exert a powerful effect upon our moral feelings and conduct. Its operation, we have seen, is to bring these truths before us in such a manner, that they exert the same kind of influence as if the facts or events were objects of sense. The man who believes these truths, so as thus habitually to feel then power, is he who receives them in faith. This is the province of faith in regard to truth;--we have next to analyze its operation in regard to offered or promised benefits,--and this we can best do by means of an example.
Let us take the illustration of a man affected with a disease supposed to be mortal;--he is told that a remedy has been discovered of infallible efficacy; and that a person is at hand who is ready to administer it. Does he perceive his danger;--does he believe the virtue of the remedy;--does he confide in the sincerity of the individual who offers it;--this is faith. The immediate and natural result of his faith is, that he asks for the remedy which is offered;--and this result is inseparable from such belief, according to the uniform sequence of volitions in every sound mind. The man who professes to admit the facts, and does not shew such a result of belief, professes what he does not actually feel. If he perceives not the extent of his danger, he asks not the remedy, because he values it not;--and the same effect may follow, if he doubts either its efficacy, or the sincerity of him who offers it. In this case, it is also to be observed, that a reflection is thrown upon the character of this individual, by imputing to him an offer of what he has either not the power or the intention to perform. But if the man really believes the truths, he applies for the remedy; and he receives it. Thus his faith saves him, because by means of it he bought the offered aid. Could we suppose him merely to admit the facts, without asking the remedy, his belief would avail him nothing.