Thus we see that faith is entirely distinct from the righteousness which justifies; at the same time it is indispensably necessary, answering great and good purposes. Under its influence the sinner _flies_ to Jesus, the hope set before him, and trusts his immortal interest in his hands, being perfectly satisfied with his adorable character. Faith is also the medium of peace and consolation. You may with equal propriety attempt to separate light and heat from the sun, as peace of conscience, and joy in the Holy Ghost, _from the faith of God’s elect_. The degree of Christian consolation may be greater or less, according to the strength and influence of faith. At one time the believer may have an inward peace and tranquility, which is exceedingly agreeable. At another time he may be favoured with what St. Paul calls _joy unspeakable and full of glory_. At another, guilt may rob him of his comfort, and separate between him and his God. Such are his exercises in the present state of things. But he is far from making a righteousness of his _frames_, _feelings_, or _experiences_. The distinction between these he well understands. The _righteousness_ by which he expects to be justified, is the work of Christ alone; the _faith_ by which he is enabled to receive it, is _of the operation of God_; the consolations that he enjoys are from this glorious Christ, in believing, or through faith: all as different as A, B, and C. His dependence for acceptance with God is neither on his faith nor experiences, but on Christ _alone_. At the same time he cannot conceive it possible, for a poor, wretched, undone sinner to be enabled to believe in Christ for eternal life, and not _rejoice_. A view of the glories of his person, and the fulness and freeness of his grace, cannot fail of introducing _strong consolation_. STILLMAN’S SERMONS. Footnote 63: _See Quest._ lxxx. Footnote 64: _See page 39, ante._ Footnote 65: _See Quest._ lxxix. Footnote 66: _See Quest._ lxxviii. Quest. LXXIV. QUEST. LXXIV. _What is adoption?_ ANSW. Adoption is an act of the free grace of God, in and for his only Son Jesus Christ; whereby all those that are justified, are received into the number of his children, have his name put upon them, the Spirit of his Son given to them, are under his fatherly care and dispensations, admitted to all the liberties and privileges of the sons of God, made heirs of all the promises, and fellow-heirs with Christ in glory. In speaking to this answer we shall consider, I. The various senses in which persons are the sons of God; and particularly, how they are so called by adoption. II. The difference between adoption as used by men, and as it is applied in this answer to God’s taking persons into this relation, as his children; from whence it will appear to be an act of his free grace.