Another fruit of the Spirit is FAITH.  Although this is mentioned last but two in the catalogue, yet it is by no means the least important.  Indeed, it may be called the father of all the rest.  The proper definition of faith is, a belief of the truth.  Faith is a very common principle of action, by which is transacted all the business of this life.  People universally act according to their faith.  If a person is fully convinced that his house is on fire, he will make haste to escape.  If a man really believes a bank-note is good, he will receive it for its professed value.  If the merchant believes that his customer is able to pay for them, he will give him goods upon credit.  If a child really believes his parent will punish him for doing mischief, he will keep out of it.  And so, in everything else, we act according to our belief.  No person ever fully believes a truth which concerns himself, without acting accordingly.  That faith which is the fruit of the Spirit is a hearty belief of all the truths of God’s word.  And in proportion as we believe these truths, in their application to ourselves, we shall act according to them.  The reason why the sinner does not repent and turn to God, is that he does not fully believe the word of God, as it applies to himself.  He may believe some of the abstract truths of the Scriptures, but he does not really believe himself to be in the dreadful danger which they represent him.  The reason why Christians live so far from the standard of God’s word is that their belief in the truths contained in it is so weak and faint.  We all profess to believe that God is everywhere present.  Yet, Christians often complain that they have no lively sense of his presence.  The reason is, that they do not fully and heartily believe this truth.  So strong and vivid is the impression when this solemn truth takes full possession of the soul, that the apostle compares it to “seeing him that is invisible.”  Now, but for our unbelief, we should always have such a view of the divine presence.  O, with what holy awe and reverence would this inspire us!  On examination, we shall find that all the graces of the Spirit arise from faith, and all our sins and short-comings from unbelief.  It is a belief of the moral excellence of God’s character which inspires love.  It is a belief of our own depravity, and the exceeding sinfulness of sin, which creates godly sorrow.  It is a strong and particular belief of all the overwhelming truths of the Bible, which overcomes the world.  “This is the victory; even our faith.”  It is a firm and unshaken belief in these truths, presenting the glories of heaven just in view, which supports the Christian in the dark and trying hour of death.  It is the same belief which makes him “as bold as a lion” in the performance of his duty.  This is what supported the martyrs, and enabled them cheerfully to lay down their lives for Christ’s sake.  It is this which must support you in the Christian warfare.  And in proportion to your faith will be your progress.  I would be glad to say more on this subject.  It is large enough to fill a volume.