But the ready Faith of Abraham is everywhere praised, because in thy promise he staggered not by mistrust, but was strengthened in Faith, giving glory to God. For he went forth immediately out of his country, and from his kindred, and came into the land which thou showedst him,[1] knowing that whatsoever God has promised, he is able also to perform.[2]
I believe, too, to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living, after my departure out of this world. Call me hence whensoever thou wilt; but grant that, guided by Faith, I may cheerfully follow thee through firm belief in thy power and goodness. Then thy good Spirit shall lead me into the right land; and for thy Name’s sake, O Lord, thou wilt quicken me in thy justice.
STEP II.
FIRM HOPE.
Thy kingdom, come.
The Kingdom that has been prepared for us from the beginning of the world; for thou hast delivered us from the power of darkness, and hast translated us into the Kingdom of thy beloved Son, that we may be co-heirs with him according to the hope of eternal Life. For if in this life only we have hope, we are of all men the most miserable. The Lord is the portion of my inheritance and of my chalice; it is thou who wilt restore my inheritance to me. Oh, when will this be? for here we are but strangers and pilgrims, having no permanent city, but we seek one to come.
Meantime, we glory in the hope of the glory of the sons of God; and not only so, but we glory also in tribulations; knowing that tribulation works patience, and patience trial, and trial hope, and hope confounds not. For so it is, that through many tribulations we must enter into the kingdom of God; but the consolation of all labour is the hope of so great a reward. For the sufferings of this time are not worthy to be compared with the glory to come, that shall be revealed in us.
Therefore will I set thee, O Lord, always in my sight, for thou art at my right hand, that I be not moved. Therefore shall my heart be glad; moreover, my flesh also shall rest in hope.[3] In peace in the self-same I will sleep and I
