We must not be deceived by appearances, but be sustained by promises. When Jacob looked upon Joseph's coat, which had been brought to him, he should have said, "I see the coat that is covered with blood; I _hear_ the report of the death of Joseph; but, Lord, I _believe_ Thy word—Thy promises concerning the greatness and the glory of my son: what Thou hast spoken Thou wilt perform." It is a great proof of the strength and steadiness of Faith when, diligent in pleasing God, we rise above our obedience to God Himself. Grace makes light of sacrifices, because of looking straight to Jesus. Unbelief begets all sorts of evils; Faith prevents and cures them. Would that the saints of God tried themselves by this test: "How much do I believe?" instead of "How much do I know?" We please God by trusting Him; trusting His grace, His love, His wisdom; trusting without limit: but it is only by little and little that we come to account our own wisdom folly, and God's wisdom true wisdom—_wisdom infinite_; then we are able to yield up ourselves unreservedly unto Him. Faith labours, and holds on, despite of all appearances, and in the midst of all difficulties. Rather let us look by Faith to Christ at God's right hand, than at the mountain of difficulties before our eyes. One of the best answers to prayer is to be able to continue in prayer. (See Matt. 15:21-28.) Faith perpetually cries to God for its own increase. All things that are within the compass of God's promises are within the compass of Faith. Let Faith lay heart-sins upon Christ, and there will be no plague-spots upon the skin. Faith waits upon God; but she waits also for God. Jacob (in Gen. 32:9-12) waited upon God regarding Esau his brother; but he did not wait for God. Had he done so, he would not have bowed down (33:3) seven times to his brother: Esau must have bowed down to him (27:29). God delights in putting faith to do that which the flesh declares impossible. Oh, how precious a jewel is that resolute Faith which walks with God under all circumstances, wrestling against the powers of darkness, making no bow to the Haman of evil customs, or evil principles! We cannot be losers by trusting God, for He is honoured by Faith, and most honoured when Faith discerns His love and truth behind a thick cloud of His ways and providence. Happy those who are thus tried! Thus saith the Lord, "Count it, all joy when ye fall into divers temptations" (James 2:3). Let us only be clear of unbelief and a guilty conscience, and we shall hide ourselves in the rock and pavilion of the Lord, sheltered beneath the wings of everlasting love till all calamities be overpast. Faith can bear the test of death and burial, and can sing praises to God under any circumstances. A steadfast purpose to trust God, when He seems to unbelief to be breaking promise, betokens a growth in faith. "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him" (Job 13:15).