Matthew 17:14-21 - Homilies By J.a. Macdonald

The secrets of faith.

A blended good and evil characterizes the present state of man. Ever since our first parents ate of the "tree of knowledge of good and evil" their children have been eating of it. The hovel is found under the very shadow of the palace. What a scene of glory was that of the Transfiguration! What a scene of misery is this at the foot of the mountain! "And when they were come to the multitude," etc. Learn—

I. THAT THE POWER OF FAITH IS UNLIMITED .

1 . For Omnipotence is pledged to it .

2 . But Omnipotence is not pledged to caprice .

II. THAT MORAL CONSIDERATIONS DETERMINE THE SUBJECTS OF THE GIFT OF FAITH .

1 . Divine seriousness is a condition of the faith of miracle working .

2 . Repentance is the condition of saving faith .

3 . Godliness is essential to the faith of usefulness .