in divinity and philosophy, the firm belief of certain truths upon the testimony of the person who reveals them.

The grounds of a rational faith are, 1. That the things revealed be not contrary to, though they may be above natural reason. 2. That the revealer be well acquainted with the things he reveals. 3. That he be above all suspicion of deceiving us.

Where these criterions are found, no reasonable person will deny his assent: thus, we may as well doubt of our own existence, as of the truth of a revelation coming from God, who can neither be deceived himself, nor deceive others by proposing things to be believed that are contradictory to the faculties he has given us. Whatever propositions, therefore, are beyond reason, but not contrary to it, are, when revealed, the proper matter of faith.

Confession of Faith. See Confession.