SUCH WAS THE HAPPINESS OF THE BELIEVING THESSALONIANS. Their faith grew and grew exceedingly. The seed became the plant; the plant soon became the tree. The blade grew into ear; the ear ripened into the full corn. The babe became a young man; the young man became a father in Christ. Faith roots itself in the truth. It firmly grasps the rock. It stands against and defies the storm. It reposes on the covenant, and immutable faithfulness of God. It grows by exercise. It grows in the way of upright walking. It grows when we obey gospel commandments. If our faith grows, Christ will become more precious. We shall earnestly long for more conformity to Him. We shall learn better to distinguish between faith and feeling. We shall be able to trust God's word of promise. Our love to the saints will strengthen and become strong. Our zeal for God and His glory will increase. Our attention to His precepts will become close and committed. Our confidence in God's word will be steadfast and strong. Our liberality and benevolence will grow in proportion to our faith. Pray, then, for a faith which grows.

For Meditation:
How blest it is to live by faith,
And cast our burden on the Lord:
To believe what the Saviour saith,
And rest, confiding in His word.