June 28

How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?

Romans 10:14.

The Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel. He teaches the Law also, which gives the knowledge of sin and of divine wrath upon sin, and thus prepares man for the reception of the Gospel. But chiefly the Holy Ghost preaches the Gospel, that is, the glad tidings of the grace of God in Christ Jesus. After the Law has done its work, after it has made man feel that he is in need of a Savior, the Gospel sets in. The Gospel does not, like the Law, command man to do something, but invites him to appropriate the works Christ has done. It shows him Christ, the Savior of all sinners and therefore also his Savior. Through this Gospel the Holy Ghost calls men to believe in Christ.

And the call of the Holy Ghost through the Gospel is seriously intended for all men; for Christ is the Savior of all men. For this reason God has His Gospel made known in all the world, to every creature which is under heaven. And this Gospel quickens and is powerful. It is a living, incorruptible seed. This Gospel, the Word of Christ, being spirit and life and inseparably connected with the power of the Holy Ghost, is the divine instrument through which the kindling and the strengthening of faith is effected by Him who alone can give life and salvation. The Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.

Whenever and wherever this Gospel is proclaimed, then and there is the Holy Ghost. He is always connected with the Gospel. Have you not often felt a most peculiar sensation within you as you heard that Gospel, a wonderful power forcing itself upon you? Behold, this is the Spirit of God, who knocks at the door of your heart, seeking admission, trying to convince, to regenerate you, to make you a true child of God.

Prayer.

O God the Holy Ghost, endow us with a true understanding of Thy Word, sanctify our devotions and our confidence in Thee, and bestow upon us peace of conscience together with everlasting comfort and joy and with constancy of faith. Thou, who art the living Finger of God, we beseech Thee, write Jesus Christ in our hearts. Confirm us with Thy testimony, comfort us against all fear

and timidity of the flesh, be our faithful Helper against the accusations of the Wicked One, strengthen us against despondency, and through the Gospel-promise seal in our hearts the faith which Thou hast kindled, Thou, who art the Pledge of our inheritance for our redemption. Enlighten our darkness by the light of truth and lead us into all truth. Amen.

All our knowledge, sense, and sight Lie in deepest darkness shrouded, Till Thy brightness breaks our night By the beams of truth unclouded.