They have not all obeyed the gospel.

 

MARCH 18.
 
They have not all obeyed the gospel.
Romans 10:16

 

AND does the gospel require obedience?
 
Yes: it commands us to repent of sin;
  to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ;
  to pray always and not to faint;
  to confess Christ before men;
  to glorify God in our bodies and
     spirits which are God’s;
  to consecrate ourselves and
    all we have to the Lord’s glory.
 
But comparatively few obey the gospel.
 
Reader, do you?
 
Are you daily sorrowing over sin?
 
Are you placing your entire confidence in Jesus,
  and resting on his finished work alone
  for acceptance with God?
 
Do you pray as naturally as you breathe, and
  pray for all you need and desire?
 
Have you confessed Jesus before your fellow-men,
  and taking up the apostle’s determination
    to glorify only in his cross?
 
Do you aim at God's glory in every purpose you form,
  in every plan you draw,
  in every work you execute?
 
Have you concentrated your person,
  property, and talents to the Lord;
  and do ministering angels see written upon all
  you have, “This is the Lord's?”
 
Solemn inquiries these!
 
Let them sink down into your heart.
 
Take them, and search your heart with them.
 
Turn and claim me as thine own,
Be my portion, Lord, alone;
In me all thy grace display,
And thy gospel I'll obey.
 
James Smith 1849