B. An emotional element (_assensus, credere Deo_),—assent to the revelation of God’s power and grace in Jesus Christ, as applicable to the present needs of the soul. Those in whom this awakening of the sensibilities is unaccompanied by the fundamental decision of the will, which constitutes the next element of faith, may seem to themselves, and for a time may appear to others, to have accepted Christ. _Mat. 13:20, 21_—“_he that was sown upon the rocky places, this is he that heareth the word, and straightway with joy receiveth it; yet hath he not root in himself, but endureth for a while; and when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, straightway he stumbleth_”; _cf._ _Ps. 106:12, 13_—“_Then believed they his words; they sang his praise. They soon forgat his works; they waited not for his counsel_”; _Ez. 33:31, 32_—“_And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but do them not; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their gain. And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not_”; _John 5:35_—Of John the Baptist: “_He was the lamp that burneth and shineth; and ye were willing to rejoice for a season in his light_”; _8:30, 31_—“_As he spake these things, many believed on him_ (εἰς αὐτόν). _Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him_ (αὐτῷ), _If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples._” They believed _him_, but did not yet believe _on_ him, that is, make him the foundation of their faith and life. Yet Jesus graciously recognizes this first faint foreshadowing of faith. It might lead to full and saving faith. “Proselytes of the gate” were so called, because they contented themselves with sitting in the gate, as it were, without going into the holy city. “Proselytes of righteousness” were those who did their whole duty, by joining themselves fully to the people of God. Not _emotion_, but _devotion_, is the important thing. Temporary faith is as irrational and valueless as temporary repentance. It perhaps gained temporary blessing in the way of healing in the time of Christ, but, if not followed by complete surrender of the will, it might even aggravate one’s sin; see _John 5:14_—“_Behold, thou art made whole; sin no more, lest a worse thing befall thee._” The special faith of miracles was not a high, but a low, form of faith, and it is not to be sought in our day as indispensable to the progress of the kingdom. Miracles have ceased, not because of decline in faith, but because the Holy Spirit has changed the method of his manifestations, and has led the church to seek more spiritual gifts. Saving faith, however, includes also: