---

I. Let us show WHEREIN CONSISTS THAT FIDELITY WHICH IS AN EFFECT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. It will be better understood from a view of its relative bearings, than from an abstract definition.

1. We must be faithful to God.

(1)  Faithfulness to God includes undisguised sincerity in His service.

(2)  Faithfulness to God is unreserved obedience to His revealed will.

(3)  Faithfulness to God includes an inflexible adherence to the profession of the gospel.

2. We must be faithful to men.

(1)  This requires truth in our words (Ephesians 4:25).

(2)  Faithfulness to men requires justice in our actions.

(3)  Fidelity to man requires stedfastness in our engagements.

(4)  Faithfulness to men requires a bold and conscientious discharge of all the relative duties of life.

II. Let us prove the vast importance of faithfulness.

1. This grace is absolutely necessary to give value to every other branch of religion. What is a lofty, widespreading tree, with a rotten trunk? What is a spacious and beautiful house built on the sand, which must be sapped by the rising flood, or overthrown by the wintry storm? And what are the gifts, talents, and attainments of one who is destitute of faith and sincerity? We condemn, in strong language, the man who basely betrays his friend; the subject who traitorously lays schemes for the life of his lawful sovereign; or the prince, who sells the liberties and lives of his people to gratify a boundless ambition. But what shall we say of the man, who denies his God, crucifies the Saviour afresh, and trucks away the gem of truth for the poor glittering baubles of the world?

2. The importance of faithfulness is obvious, as it is necessary to our own comfort. Though a person could wrap himself so closely in the cloak of hypocrisy, and so artfully manage his vizard, as never to be detected by his fellow-creatures, would he thus make sure of happiness? No; in the path of deceit there is no peace. Conscience will renew, from time to time, her troublesome accusations.

3. The importance of faithfulness is obvious, as it is necessary to the credit of religion and the honour of Christ. Nothing has brought so much scandal on the gospel as the conduct of hypocrites and apostates. The men of the world are always on the watch to spy defects in professing Christians.

III. Let us inquire what are the leading marks, or signs, by which this faithfulness may be known.

1. A faithful man is willing impartially to examine his own state.

2. A faithful Christian has a deep sense of the deceitfulness and danger of sin.

3. A faithful Christian fixes his whole dependence on Divine grace.

(John Thornton.)

---

---

KJV: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

WEB: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,