Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/859

 His infallible  Church. God’s messengers  have  delivered  the  word  of God  to  men  chiefly  by  word  of  mouth  (Tradition);  but  some  of  them also by  writing  (Holy  Scripture). Hence the  Church,  in  teaching  us what  is  revealed,  draws  her  doctrine  from  two  sources: Tradition  and Holy Scripture  38  312  446  723. Holy Scripture  is  inspired  804; requires interpretation  762. Faith is  a gift  of  God  and  an  act  of virtue  460  507  530. The object  of  faith  is  the  unalterable  Word  of God  who  is  Truth  and  Truthfulness  itself  54  60  (Abraham);  187  (Balaam). The causes  of  unbelief  507  600. Doubts about  faith  183. Indifference 776. Sins  against  faith  785.

Faith is  the  very  beginning  and  root  of  our  supernatural  life  and  our justification 54  184  448  487.

“Without faith  it  is  impossible  to  please  God”  (Hebr.  n,  6). No salvation without  faith  in  Jesus  Christ  448  (Mark  16,  16).

Faith to  be  bought  at  any  price  512  (The  precious  pearl).

Faith must  be:

1. entire  54  186  719.

2. firm,  like  that  of  Abraham  54  60  68;  Job  126;  Josue  195;  the widow of  Sarepta  268;  Elias  273;  Simeon  and  Anna  409;  the Magi 414.

3. steadfast, as  that  of  Abraham,  Moses,  Ruth,  Daniel,  Eleazar, Machabees, the  Man  born  blind,  St. Stephen, the  Apostles.

4. living  54  414  (Magi);  621  (Wise  virgins);  dead  faith  460  622.

5. openly  and  fearlessly  confessed  234  (David);  339  (Three  youths); 427 (John  the  Baptist);  579  (Man  born  blind). “He who  shall confess me  before  men”  &amp;c. (Matth. 10,  32). The Apostles  and St. Stephen after  Pentecost.

His Divine  Attributes:

1. Eternity  7 134  (“I  am  who  am”);  332  (Prayer  of  Susanna).

2. Immutability  134. In His  designs  and  decrees  78  289  (Ninive).

3. Omnipotence. Illustrated by  the  Creation  of  heaven  and  earth  through His sole  word  7; the  deluge; the  ten  plagues; the  Exodus  of  the people of  Israel  &amp;c. 282 289.

4. Omnipresence. Illustrated by  the  history  of  Adam  and  Eve  in  Paradise, and the  life  of  the  Patriarchs  44  61  267  332  475;  by  the  words of St. Paul 794.