That which gives the faith of a Christian its virtue is its object: namely, Jesus Christ. Faith is only the taking hold of Christ with hearty reliance for salvation through Him. It is the empty hand that grasps an object, and the reward is the object itself. In the nature of things, we can not take hold of Christ by works; but by faith. Heathen faith takes hold of a wooden god. Mohammedan faith takes hold of Mohammed. Christian faith takes hold of Christ. A wooden god is a thing. Mohammed is dead. Christ is “mighty to save.” Therein is the difference. Faith is not such an imperial virtue of itself; but it is very particular and very important. It is like the coupling-link between the train and the engine. It is the engine that makes the train go, and not the coupling.

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