Q. What arrangement should be followed in presenting the subject of faith? A. First, it should be shown what faith is. [§ I. ¶ 3.] Secondly, the object upon which it rests. [§ I. ¶ 4.] And, thirdly, the effects which flow from it. [§ I. ¶ 5.] Q. What is faith? A. It is the assurance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Heb 11:1); that is, it is the assurance we have of the existence of unseen things. And being the assurance which we have of the existence of unseen things, must be the principle of action in all intelligent beings. Heb. 11:3 Through faith we understand the worlds were framed by the word of God. [§ I. ¶ 8,9.] Q. How do you prove that faith is the principle of action in all intelligent beings? A. First, by duly considering the operations of my own mind; and, secondly, by the direct declaration of Scripture--Heb. 11:7 By faith Noah, being warned of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house, by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. Heb. 11:8. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go into a place which he should afterwards receive for an inheritance, obeyed, and he went out not knowing whither he went. Heb. 11:9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. Heb 11:27 By faith Moses forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured as seeing him who is invisible. [§ I. ¶ 10,11.] Q. Is not faith the principle of action in spiritual things as well as in temporal? A. It is. Q. How do you prove it? A. Heb. 11:6 without faith it is impossible to please God. Mark 16:16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved. Rom. 4:16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all--[§ I. ¶ 12,13.] Q. Is faith anything else beside the principle of action? A. It is. Q. What is it? A. It is the principle of power also. [§ I. ¶ 13.] Q. How do you prove it?