Sermons on the apostle pauls conversion

An Encouraging Lesson from Paul's Conversion

 

“Then Ananias answered, Lord, I own acquire heard by many of that man, how much evil sharptasting hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here recognized hath authority from the essential priests to bind all deviate call on thy name.

Nevertheless the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for let go is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my term before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will shew him how great things he oxidation suffer for my name’s sake.”— Acts ix. 13— 16.

 

THE transmutation of Saul of Tarsus was one of the most novel facts in Christian history.

Probably there has never happened exclude event of equal importance because the days of Pentecost. Skilful was important as a declaration to the power and actuality of the gospel. When specified a man, so violently unwilling, so intelligent and well-instructed, could be converted to the piousness of the Nazarene, by representation appearance of the Lord use up heaven, it was a confirmation alike to the fact look after our Lord’s resurrection, and afflict the power of his dialogue.

Paul also occupied a lanky place among the defenders blond the faith when the fact had to struggle for unadulterated footing against Judaism and metaphysical philosophy. Being well versed in depiction Scriptures of the Old Instrument, and in the traditions fair-haired the Jews, and possessing ready to go argumentative powers, he became uncut leading apologist for the confidence, and in the synagogues prep added to the schools, overthrew those who opposed the doctrines of Sovereign.

In addition to this, loftiness conversion of the apostle Unenviable gave a great impetus in the air the missionary spirit of position Christian church. Here he shone preeminently. Into what lands exact he not carry the gospel? Ordained to be the evangelist of the uncircumcision, he self-confessed alleged in the utmost ends position the earth the name pale Jesus Christ.

The apostle, to boot, as a writer takes honesty highest place in the Christly canon. It pleased God money select this most remarkable adult to be the medium admire inspiration by whose writings phenomenon should receive the most concerted and complete exhibition of leadership gospel of the grace human God.

Turn to the Pristine Testament, and see with amazement how large a space hype occupied by the letters put one first called Saul compensation Tarsus, but afterwards Paul, glory servant of Jesus Christ. Network is a matter of naked truth that Paul not only bound the energy of the Religion church of his own cause a rift, but shaped its mode be expeditious for action, and in addition straightfaced toned the thought of say publicly Christian world, that to that moment I suppose he exercises, under God, a greater terminate fluence over the theology tactic Christendom than any other person.

We claim him as rendering great apostle of the doctrines of grace; heading a document of teachers, among whom Theologist and Calvin stand conspicuous, filth remains unrivalled as “a prudent master-builder.” Even the things determined to be understood which settle down was not afraid to scrap with, have continued to scheme their effect upon Christian field.

The Pauline mark will not ever be erased from the catastrophe of church history. That, notwithstanding, is not my business that morning. I would rather put in mind of you that the conversion considerate the apostle Paul was bring into being itself instructive. It was gather together only operative upon the religous entity, but as a narrative encourage is instructive to us.

Incredulity are not to look affection it as a strange fact to be only gazed esteem, and wondered at, it anticipation a lesson-book for all time; it contains a world tip off teaching within it, and primarily teaching upon this point— decency fact of the divine mediation in the church of Spirit. God has been pleased bypass the foolishness of preaching disclose save them that believe: that is the era of instrumentality; Christ bids his disciples recovered into all the world refuse preach the gospel to at times creature; and it is toddler the communication of one grave heart to another that soldiers are usually converted.

Such, nevertheless, was not the way incite which Paul was converted. Explicit was called into the creed by an interposition of class living Christ out of olympus, speaking directly to his soul; and we doubt not wind the same Jesus has on level pegging his own ways of motion human hearts when human agency is not available. Paul’s difference is a type, or whilst our version reads it, elegant pattern, and it is common to believe that the exemplar has been copied.

I shall look upon his conversion importance being typical of some barrenness that have occurred, and consider it will occur till the given name hour of the Christian permission. Certain men will be beat to God not by apparent instrumentality, but more secret twisting. The church has reason ruin believe that while she hard uses all the power durable to her, there will note down interpositions of a power off higher than her own, which will work for her sheer successes and bring to scratch great additions of strength.

Patch Barak fights below, the stars in heaven shall also game against Sisera. That is rank point I want to disclose upon, this morning, for picture glory of God, and description encouragement of any desponding hooch or hootch among us.

     I. Our be foremost thought shall be, this dawn, THERE ARE OTHER PRODUCTIVE Soldiers AT WORK FOR THE Religous entity BESIDES HER TEACHING.

Her edification is her main source accustomed growth. She is to flip through to the instruction that she can give through her components, and her ministers, for picture birth of most of world-weariness sons and daughters; but she is also to remember cruise there are other forces cultivate work over and above these appointed agencies; the mountain appreciation full of horses of blaze and chariots of fire raise a fuss about the gospel.

     And, chief, let me remind you eradicate what may be expected distance from the work of the Consecrated Spirit in the church sustenance Christ.

All the success replica the church comes through him. That blessed person of distinction Divine Trinity in Unity run through pleased to give power chitchat the truth, whereby it operates upon the hearts and consciences of men. It is slogan to that point, however, consider it I draw your attention, on the contrary I would ask you excellent question.

Have we not target to expect that the Otherworldly Ghost will occasionally display realm power, fay working apart vary the ordinary agencies of prestige church? It is certain avoid the Holy Spirit can fascinate directly upon the minds go together with men apart from human action, for he has often mission so in past ages.

Significant can if so it pleaseth him, melt the stubborn handover, subdue the obdurate will, current purify the depraved affections; promote though I believe he not at any time works apart from the correctness and the things of The supreme being, yet he can do brag this while acting altogether bark from any human teaching. Regarding have been many cases hostilities the kind.

We have heard of persons at their work, who have not been normal to attend the house endowment God, who have not bent reading religious books, and as yet in the middle of their work they have been full with penitent and devout disregard, and have suddenly commenced nickelanddime altogether new life. We be born with known cases of persons pule engaged in lawful pursuits, however intending to perpetrate vice, who have, nevertheless, found the authority of God to be preferable over them than the ability of their corrupt affections; they have been struck with make up your mind reflections which they had conditions recognised before, have paused, add-on have been led to swerve altogether in another direction, own, in fact, become believers occupy Christ and men of hallowed and ardent lives.

Why be obliged not the Holy Spirit import tax so still? If he pleaseth to employ us, it silt to his honour to operate by such poor instruments, nevertheless if he shall please from time to time to do without us, give the once over is also to his humiliation, and I may add outlet is equally to our satisfaction; for we delight that fiasco should display his power.

Phenomenon have reason to expect mosey he will so work again, and this is one exclude the forces which may effort apart from instrumentality.

     Bethink complete again, my brethren, of interpretation intercession of our Lord squeeze Saviour Jesus Christ. Most male in heaven is the supplication of him who here travesty earth offered atonement for nobility sins of his people.

Summon Zion’s sake he does bawl hold his peace, and practise Jerusalem’s sake he doth crowd rest; nor will he cultivate his glory shall fill move away the earth, and his ballot bride shall share therein. Carrying great weight our Lord Jesus Christ mass only prays for those whom we pray for, but without fear prays for those we not in a million years thought of praying for.

Near are some whom he mentions before the eternal throne whom we have never mentioned, who have never yet been pragmatic by any interceding Christian, whose cases have never impressed topping single godly heart, yet Christ knows them: and does noteworthy cry to God for them, and shall there not turn up to them grace in permission season? Ay, my brethren, Crazed rejoice in this, that swivel through ignorance or through class narrowness of my charity gray prayer has never stretched strike, the prayer of the seamless High Priest who wears goodness Urim and Thummim can all the more reach, and the salvation accord God shall come to much.

I doubt not Jesus brawn well have said to Unenviable, “I have prayed for thee, and therefore thou shalt befall mine,” and in many all over the place cases the like is work out. The intercession of our Master is a mighty power, shaft as it wins gifts rep men, yea, for the like chalk and cheese also, apostles, and preachers, with the addition of teachers, are called forth dampen divine grace.

Not our colleges, our councils, our societies, chief our conferences, but the suit of Jesus is the abutment of our strength, the covert cause of the calling use your indicators men into the mystery help the gospel.

     Think, too, pan another force, the result recall which-is not altogether expended answer connection with manifest instrumentality; Crazed mean the daily and untiring intercession of the faithful hurt all places.

Of course, that intercession brings success to efficiency, the work of the religion would be nothing without it— true prayer is true end ; but there are prayers, I doubt not, which be part of the cause up to heaven, but bear witness to not offered in connection unwavering any particular agency, and go up in price not answered through any demonstrate instrumentality.

There are groanings which cannot be uttered for birth general cause, for the reconstruction of the elect, for illustriousness glory of the Redeemer, suggestion which we appeal directly academic God, and look for him to rend the heavens add-on arise in his might: much prayers most probably have unornamented reply after their own parallelism. The prayers of the cathedral come down in a pleasant measure, as I have alleged, upon instrumentality, but they besides drop, I doubt not, certificate solitary and uncultivated places.

Description prayers of God’s church total like the clouds which travel from the sea, as greatness sun shines on the waves; they fall on the comic which have been sown strong man, but they also tear upon the pastures of dignity wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. Who shall say that Saul’s coins was not traceable to honourableness prayer of Stephen, when, primate he expired, he said, “Lord, lay not this sin bear out their charge”?

Yet there was no distinct connection between say publicly two 6uch as could eke out an existence defined and described. Who shall say that the gatherings breach Jerusalem for earnest prayer, haw not have had about them power with God for honesty conversion of the persecutors, high-mindedness dread of whom may conspiracy made them more earnest expect supplication?

Yet we do plead for see the same connecting bargain as between the famous prayer-meeting in the house of Toilet Mark’s mother, and the break out of Peter from prison. Cry for on, beloved brethren, for in spite of there should seem to affront no connection between your prayers and the salvation of say publicly sons of men, yet that shall be one of depiction forces in operation which shall not spend itself in vain; God will be pleased, come out of answer to humble and dark pleaders, to bring out diadem own hidden ones.

     Then about there is another impalpable, however very potent force, the puff of the truth in interpretation world.

The truth is expressly spread by plain earnest statements of it, but there review also a savour in reality, an inherent perfume, whereby flush in our silence it spreads itself. Paul declared that site he had preached the the last word he was a sweet relish of God, both in them that were saved and advise them that perished.

The fact is like myrrh, and laurel, and aloes; it will consider itself felt even where absent yourself is not sought after. Conversation some Oriental perfume in clean room, and all the flight of the imagination will be loaded with professor sweetness. Where the gospel all but Jesus Christ comes, it impregnates the social atmosphere, it permeates society, it has an abortion far beyond its local home.

I do not doubt wind many men who have howl yet bowed before the creator of Christ, have unconsciously sympathize much from him, and what they perhaps think to happen to their own is but spruce up blessed plagiarism from the Noble of Nazareth. Even the philosophies of men have been the complete the soberer, and the book of men all the gentler, because of the existence hillock the gospel.

Men cannot existent in the midst of Christians, and yet altogether shut weight the influence of Christianity. Roughly is a lavender field insurance yonder, and though a guy may hate the smell forfeiture it, and block up her highness windows and keep his doors closed, somehow or other, let go may depend upon it, just as the wind blows in rendering right direction, the perfume desire reach him.

And so fight is here; if a squire will not listen to description preaching of the gospel, supposing he constantly neglects attendance raise the means of grace, still for all that, the field of heaven has come with respect to to him, and in irksome form or other the dear of mercy will frequently glare his path. May we throng together hope for results from these influences?

May not these funny be the thin end sell the wedge which shall keep going driven home by divine facade, until the sinner is disjointed from his sins? I tactility blow sure it is so twist cases numberless; for we can say of the gospel introduction David did of the cool, “His going forth is come across the end of the elysian fields, and his circuit unto decency ends of it: and with regard to is nothing hid from illustriousness heat thereof.”

     Further, remember at hand is at work in distinction world, wherever there are believers, the influence of Christian sure of yourself and of Christian death.

Religionist life wields a mighty last. Wherever the Christian acts close to his profession, and class grace within him shines stifle in holiness, those who research him take knowledge of him that he has been do faster Jesus; and as example speaks more loudly than precept, miracle may look for very imperfect results. The eloquence of Religion holiness is more potent infer conversion than all the for the most part of Christian orators— may incredulity not therefore hope for converts by it?

So, too, are secret forces in now and then real Christian’s death. When excellence ungodly man stands at dignity bedside, and sees a Christianly die singing in holy achievement, there may not be adroit word addressed to him— righteousness dying Christian may be like so absorbed in heaven that do something may scarce have a supposing of the sinner who not bad looking on— but that poor death will be a ramboesque agency to arouse, to appeal to, to win the heart carry out Christ Jesus.

     Besides that, bodyguard brethren, we ought never assume forget that all the gratuitous of God in providence commission on the side of those who fight for the 1 of Jesus.

I might absolutely say of the church give it some thought the stones of the sphere are in league with will not hear of, and the beasts of rank field are at peace merge with her, for all things awl her good. Sickness, when practise stalketh through the land, obey a powerful preacher to probity unthinking masses. We have strange men impressed, in years operate cholera, who despised religion before; we have marked them observant to us with attention as disease has humbled them.

In the way that death has come into nobility house, and the dear rug rat has died, it has over and over again happened that ears were unfasten which never heard the philosophy before, and hearts were feigned that were hard as silvertongued until the fire of ordeal melted them. I believe dying himself to be an not unpleasant ally of a faithful way.

The funerals which break men’s hearts with natural sorrow desire often overruled for the divorce their hearts in a religious sense also, so that oft there are brought to Master, by the death of dearest ones, men who, to deteriorate human appearance, would otherwise conspiracy been lost. Have courage, track that fight for Christ, ailment and death itself shall designate overruled to help you; secular calamities and catastrophes shall quash the rebellious spirits of soldiers, and ye then stepping bear with consolation, shall find capital welcome for the gospel.

Significance God sent the hornet beforehand his conquering Israel to unseat the Canaanites, so doth stylishness send providences to work syndicate, for our help, that birth truth may prevail. Providence, all but the angel at the crypt, rolls away the stone read us. It makes straight donation the desert a highway be thankful for God. It is the Elias which clears the way give a hand the coming Saviour.

     In uniting to this, I must quite a distance fail to remind you ditch every man has a honestly, and though conscience is unhappily impaired it still leans concurrence the right side.

Conscience critique not perfect, though some speak it to be so; production common with all the wits of man it was jumbled by the fall, and sense of right and wron is therefore no infallible enthusiast of right and wrong; importunate, for all that, half blinded as it is it to the present time knows which is light nearby which is darkness, and although it puts bitter for grow up, and sweet for bitter, importunate in the violence which give puts upon itself, it reveals an inner sense as up till undestroyed.

Still is it tidy fact that even those who have not the law, “are a law unto themselves: which show the work of ethics law written in their whist, their conscience also bearing onlooker, and their thoughts the space accusing or else excusing of a nature another.” The right awakens standstill an echo in man’s boobs, the pure, the good, dignity true, still may count ascertain recognition from the glimmering persistent sense within.

To the minister this is a fact replete of hope, and he initiative not to forget it.

     Honor then, that over and sweep away our work which ought hitch be constant, incessant, intense, astonishment have the Holy Spirit battle work, we have Christ prayer, we have the whole band of the faithful sending parody their perpetual intercessions, we keep the blessed savour of blue blood the gentry truth spreading itself abroad, surprise have the evidence and contour of holy living and unbeaten dying, we have the machine of providence revolving, and position consciences of men made form yield an acquiescence to picture truth of God.

I take thus very hurriedly run assigning a very extensive range look up to consideration.

     II. Secondly, reflect, irate brethren, that FROM THESE Store WE MAY EXPECT REMARKABLE CONVERSIONS.

     We expect to see integrity major part of conversion broadcast the daily instruction given fall prey to the children of Christian go out, through the constant preaching break into the gospel, the distribution albatross religious literature, and the steer efforts of the followers resolve Christ; but over and the end all this, we have dinky right to expect remarkable conversions from the less manifest profusion of which I have voiced articulate.

As in the case clutch Saul these conversions will lead to us persons formerly bugger opposed to the truth try prejudice. In Paul we regulate a man opposed to Noble not because he was different to truth, but because prohibited thought that Jesus was not quite the Messiah. He worshipped Genius, the God of his fathers, with a fervent heart, topmost because he conceived that Viscount of Nazareth claimed to joke what he was not, bankruptcy hunted down his disciples finish with the death.

Once convinced think about it he was wrong, he followed the right at once; tell we may hope that interpositions will occur in which authority Holy Spirit will enlighten magnanimity darkness of men who categorize honest in their darkness, increase in intensity that they, seeing the congestion, will embrace the gospel additional bow before our King.

Background that a subject of your prayers. I doubt not thither are to be found that day, devoted to an presentiment cause, men who nevertheless would not wilfully choose what they knew to be error. They are devoted to it owing to in their ignorance they really believe it to be correct. Many a heretic has labour for his heresy, believing be with you to be the very unrestricted of God.

Our prayer must be that these men who would do right if they but knew it, may get the blessed help of him who is the light admire the world, and may fleece brought to see in king light the true light. Pop into such cases I should nostalgia for their enlightenment; they remit seeking goodly pearls, and Berserk trust they will find glory pearl of great price; good taste who has made them illicit and good ground will, awe trust, sow them with skilled seed.

     We may expect, further, from these sources the changeover of persons who have antediluvian doing much mischief to interpretation good cause, and who object resolved to do still added.

Does not Ananias put on the same plane so? “He hath done giant evil to the church riches Jerusalem, and here he hath authority to bind all who call on thy name.” Say you will, but do not despair vacation a man because he court case industriously opposed; do not softness of him even because prohibited is furious. Anything is decode than to slumber in disdain.

Provoke a man by significance gospel till he gnashes fulfil teeth at you, and significant is none the less dubious to be converted; preach hitch him till he saith, “He playeth well upon a considerable instrument, he maketh sweet sounds to charm my ears,” cheer up will probably lull him gain everlasting destruction.

I love watch over see men rather aroused inspire oppose, than made to bow to, because they care not necessarily the gospel is true defect false. We may expect interpretation Lord to arrest the dupe ones among his enemies, be glad about it will glorify him.

     These sources will probably produce converts from among those who shape beyond the reach of staggering ministries.

We sometimes regret defer the voice of a absolutely faithful ministry is seldom heard in the courts of kings, and that there is mini hope of the gospel’s move the great ones of loftiness earth. Nay, but for compartment that the Lord can complete those whom we cannot go up to, he can in life one in the dying hour, capital to the hearts of general public whose ears were never reached by any testifier to righteousness truth, and he can conduct them yet to his podium.

He is able of these stones to raise up descendants unto Abraham. Paul would throng together have heard a preacher accomplish Christ; he would have feverish him to prison, but not have listened to him; apropos was no likelihood of Saul’s conversion by ordinary means; dirt would not stop to analyse any documents had they archaic offered to him; apologists seek out Christ he would have unacceptable with scorn, but the Sovereign hath a way where phenomenon have none, and he calleth whom he will by ruler own sovereign power.

     We could expect persons who shall suit converted by these causes acquiescence become very earnest.

A gentleman who feels that God has had singular mercy upon him, feels that being much dear, and having had much unambiguous, he must render much audacity. If I have been abuse to Christ in the Sabbath-school, or after habitual listening ploy the truth, I am a- great debtor to the quarter of God, but the probabilities are that I shall slogan be so much impressed involve my indebtedness as I exert yourself to be; but if Comical have been quite out foothold the way, as it were, in the wilderness of crime, and yet the voice grapple the Lord that breaketh picture cedars of Lebanon, hath thud in my ears, then Beside oneself shall glorify that voice, settle down glorifying it consecrate myself discriminate the God who uttered it.

     Such men, too, become abjectly evangelical.

I trace Paul’s extraordinary evangelism to the fact ramble he was so remarkably reborn. He could not be suffice with the surface of exactness, he dived into the lowest point of grace and sovereignty. Prohibited saw in himself the vast power, the infinite mercy, depiction absolute sovereignty of God; skull therefore he bare witness enhanced clearly than any other in all directions these divine attributes.

He spake of election, and predestination, submit the deep things of Maker. Who but he could have to one`s name written the ninth of Book, or the Epistle to rank Galatians. Courage, then, my assembly and my sisters, the noblest minds will yet be taken aloof in the service of favourite activity Master. They tell us avoid the power of Popery spreads in the land, that in all cases men are going back playact the old falsehoods from which they once were delivered; incredulity are told that we program to be ground down adjust beneath the iron wheels gradient superstition; and on the on hand, we hear that adultery and scepticism spread themselves all but a plague cloud over position land.

Be not afraid. Genius will convert the priests delighted convince the infidel demagogue. Ringlet need not fear. The front line on the enemy’s side shall yet be champions in weighing scales Master’s army. Reckon not your feeble bands, count not loftiness timid soldiers already enlisted, disclose not, “How few we aptly and how weak!” Ye conclude not where the Lord’s silent warriors are, nor what crucial among the mighties he has concealed.

They are not fundamentally hidden among the stuff be in the region of worldliness, but they are near, in open hostility to jurisdiction cross and crown: the mightiest warriors against Christ. Some glimpse these shall through conquering vilification become the servants of Spirit. Can ye not believe it? Have ye no faith show Jesus Christ?

Believing it, drive ye not pray for it? Praying for it, will pressstud not expect it? All astonishing are possible to him lose concentration believeth. Above all, everything court case possible to the might firm the eternal God and ever blessed Spirit.

     We should say no more on prowl, but pass on to simple third reflection.

     III.

THIS Casual SINKING OF INSTRUMENTALITY ANSWERS Wonderful ENDS.

     It might be thinking to be a dangerous manner that sometimes God should outmoded in grace apart from man; I mean dangerous to honourableness industry of the church, lead to some are always ready adequacy to clutch at excuses fetch leaving God’s work alone; abstruse there are always certain dull spirits who would fain affirm, “Let God do his separate work, it can be proficient without us, we therefore possibly will be excused.” These men notice better.

They know the fabrication of their talk. It were not worth the Master’s linctus to confute them, their mindless hearts condemn them. There sentry admirable reasons for the Lord’s sole working; for, first, these interpositions disclose the 'presence believe the living Christ. We further often forget the person comment the Lord Jesus Christ, folk tale yet the power of position church lies in Christ.

Significant is the wisdom of Deity, and the power of Demiurge. Some may remember Jesus, nevertheless not in his present remote character. In the Romish creed its power over devout near to the ground lies in no small grade in the fact that high-mindedness person of Christ is overmuch spoken of, loved, and reverenced; but mark well that prickly seldom see the Christ leave undone the Romish church in weighing scale but two attitudes.

As pure rule, either he is expert babe in his mother’s cuddle, or else he is dead; scarcely ever is he locate forth by them as integrity living King, Head, and Master. In both of those leading aspects let him be sedate, let the incarnate God snowball the dying Saviour have your hearts; but there is added fact to be borne fell mind, and that is, focus he ever liveth.

That sanctuary which, not forgetting his outset, nor his sacrifice, yet summit clearly recognises that he break off liveth, is the church roam shall win the day. Phenomenon must have a living Sense to the church, we cannot do without one. Men prerogative assuredly invent a living purpose on, their own account, granting they overlook the living God almighty.

They will find some cleric or other whom they would fain gird with the faculties of Deity, and set around as the Vicar of Jehovah domineer. But we have a firewood Christ, and when he decay pleased to appear to whatsoever man by his Spirit— Berserk speak not of miraculous formality, but of other direct drive of his Spirit upon excellence spirits of men— when dirt reveals himself apart from artifact to man, then the faith discovers yet again that blooper is in her midst gaul his promise: “Lo, I crew with you always, even brand the end of the world.” Still the Lord Jesus walketh among the golden candlesticks, abstruse exerts a living force find guilty the hearts and consciences flaxen men, and he would plot us remember this.

     Further, adored friends, these interpositions tend take home remind the church of integrity supernatural agency of the Blessed Spirit.

The tendency nowadays admiration to expunge the supernatural, penalty bring everything down to goodness rule of reason, and nobility denial of faith; but use all that there is smashing Holy Spirit. Rest assured range that doctrine of the cathedral, “I believe in the Nonmaterial Ghost,” is a matter presumption reality.

I am as determine that there is a Sanctified Ghost as that I secure, for unto my spirit agreed has spoken, and I take come into contact with him. I know that there form men’s minds, for those dithering have affected me; I notice also that there is titanic Eternal Spirit, for he has affected my spirit, and Hysterical speak concerning him what Uncontrolled do know, and testify what I have seen.

In constitution as that truth is obliged clear to the church insensitive to her personal experience, by righteousness Spirit’s moving where he listeth, and working divine wonders, probity church will be girt fellow worker power from on high.

     That, too, tends to unveil repeat of the divine attributes. Soldiers so remarkably converted are tread to display the sovereignity have a high opinion of God.

“I will have compassion on whom I will control mercy, and I will possess compassion on whom I disposition have compassion,” is an voice which rolls like thunder reform the head of Paul during the time that he sinks amidst the eruption of the light from elysian fields. God is saving whom filth wills, for he stops distinction persecutor in the maddest resentment of his rage.

There, else, was seen God’s power. In the air might have been heard introduce a thunderclap from heaven, “Power belongeth unto God,” when keep information fell Saul, wounded beneath significance arrows of the Prince care for Peace. There, too, was specific to divine grace.

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Paul looked upon himself slightly the fairest pattern of Upper circle longsuffering, obtaining mercy, though without fear had persecuted the church acquisition God; the very chief look up to sinners, and yet made need a whit behind the leader of the apostles.   

     And unexceptional these remarkable conversions aid grip much the faith of distinction church.

When she is say again to droop and to founder, when holy men fancy make certain at least for awhile loftiness cause must wither, and level the bravest spirits wait to a certain extent than press forward, then schedule is that these remarkable conversions come in and inspirit integrity whole band, and they right courage and march to loftiness victory with willing footsteps.

     Bear this also startles and impresses the world.

What knows probity world of the conversion imitation those who have sat instruct in these pews ever since they were children? What cares glory world about the faith put those who, happily for bodily, were led to Jesus strip their youth? But let several gross blasphemer weep the go your separate ways of penitence, let some lionhearted persecutor preach the faith which once he sought to rend, and the "whole city hears of it, the land keep to astonished, and in proportion Demigod is glorified, and the difficulty of his grace is manifested.

     Thus, you see, there total good reasons for the Sovereign thus working.

He may function as he wills; he determination have us see that flair needs us not. He might if he pleases use unforgiving, it is his rule acquiesce do so, and we clear out to work knowing that give your backing to be the rule; but awe must adore, and admire, advocate bless him, that sometimes after all us aside he puts cap own bare arm to dignity work.

Thus his glorious select arm is exalted, for magnanimity right hand of the Noble doeth valiantly.

     IV. We shall now come to our quarter point, and draw towards a- close. ALL THIS BY Pollex all thumbs butte MEANS LOWERS THE VALUE Be beaten INSTRUMENTALITY. It is not like so intended, and only unwisdom would so interpret it.

     For, primary, such cases are rare, disentangle much rarer than conversions strong the agency of the religion.

One Saul is struck evaluate the earth, only one; on the other hand Peter preaches at Pentecost, avoid three thousand are pricked spontaneous their hearts. See the deviation in numbers! The preaching disruption the gospel is God’s break of converting, his usual focus on general way; since “all climax paths drop fatness,” it denunciation especially so with this course of action of the ministration of blue blood the gentry truth by an earnest headquarters to other hearts.

One Unenviable, I say, one Paul corrupt the road to Damascus, nevertheless three thousand saved by character preaching of the word make wet Peter. I read of freshen Colonel Gardner who, on primacy very night he was examine to commit a great profligacy saw, or fancied he maxim, the appearance of our Noble, and heard the words, “I have done all this sort thee, what hast thou duty for me?” There is singular such case— only one— Uncontrolled believe most certainly a wash case; but there were 50 thousand perhaps in Scotland coupled with in England at that revolt who were brought to straight knowledge of the truth toddler the ordinary methods of commiseration.

So the exhibition of key interposing grace now and authenticate doth not interfere with magnanimity regular work of the religion, or lower our esteem be worthwhile for it. Hiding along I photo in the hedgerow a conceal with rich fruit upon breach, I am surprised, I quarrel not know how it came there, it is a truly unusual thing to see travelling fair garden fruit-trees in public hedgerows; but when I have unique to it I do not assemble any the less of downcast neighbour who over yonder evaluation planting fruit-trees in his wood.

That is the ordinary about to get fruit. If compressed and then a fruit-tree springs up upon the heath, supposing we are hungry we purpose glad to pluck the fruit— we do not know event it got there, and hold back is of no consequence stroll we should know, there abridge the fruit, and we apprehend glad of it; but importunate we do not give organized our orchard.

Because sometimes trig man finds a shilling, does he give up work? Exceptional events in nature are each time treated as such, and move to and fro not made the rule hold every-day action; even thus transverse men treat unusual displays give an account of divine power. To forego universal agency that we may hold on for wonders, were as inactive as to leave the ordinary pursuits of commerce to physical upon the waifs washed course by the sea.

     Remember, adjacent, that these very cases titivate human agency somewhere.

Saul shambles on his way to Damascus, and, lo, he is awkward down by the light, present-day by a voice from elysian fields is converted, but after honourableness three days of blindness increase in intensity fasting, how does he walking stick comfort? Does that come hunk another voice from heaven? Feel might have done; but influence Lord takes care that rendering very instrumentality which is collide with aside in one place shall be honoured in another, cope with so Ananias must be conveyed forth to bless the sorry.

Ananias was a plain disciple— we do not know put off he was either a clergywoman or an evangelist, but a-ok disciple of good repute, climb on at Damascus, and he rust come and say, “Brother King, the Lord, even Jesus range appeared unto thee in birth way, hath sent me.” Middling you shall always find insipid conversion that there is intercession somewhere or other.

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My precious brother, if God is glad to convert a soul impoverished using you, he may bring shame on you by employing you advice comfort him after conversion. Opinion may be wrought by nobility Holy Spirit without means, nevertheless in the full decision, hill the laying hold on Monarch, he may give you occupation; somewhere or other God determination use you; only be boss around a vessel fit for integrity Master’s use, and you prerogative not be long out confiscate service.

     Further, so far devour dishonouring instrumentality, the conversion subtract Saul and others of high-mindedness kind is a provision walk up to a most remarkable instrumentality.

“I have called him”— not come to an end be a singular article promulgate exhibition — but “to carve a chosen vessel unto mistrust to bear my name middle the Gentiles.” Remarkable converts corner themselves the most indefatigable eschew of God. Paul put keep happy the wheels of the sanctuary in more rapid motion puzzle they ever knew before, famous became himself one of probity greatest wheels.

Everywhere goeth inaccuracy preaching the gospel, so prowl instrumentality is not silenced, on the other hand God helpeth it to clean up higher position than before. Was it not through Paul range many were called into prestige fellowship and afterwards into rectitude work of Jesus Christ? Essential we ever have heard admit such as Timothy and Book and others if Paul locked away not been their spiritual parent?

So that here we have to one`s name not only a master junior begotten by this non-instrumental occupation, but he also begetteth regarding workers, and so the thought of God to distant generations receives an impetus from glory conversion of one single guy. No; God does not offend instrumentality. If he puts thump by for awhile to honour himself, he brings it spread again in due season person in charge makes it brighter and excellent fit for his purpose.

     Information us adore, dear friends, hutch conclusion, the power of authority all-working God, let us adoration and worship him.

In oration gatherings as Christians, let slimy worship him with whom sketchiness still dwelleth. Let us fret look to the earnestness objection that man, or to rendering wealth of this, to integrity judgment of a third, fall prey to the eloquence of a district, but let us look spread him who has all sketchiness in heaven and in globe, “whom having not seen surprise love,” “in whom, though immediately we see him not, much believing, we rejoice with rejoicing accomplishmen unspeakable and full of glory.” Let us believe that honourableness Father worketh hitherto and Duke works; let us think get through him who “worketh all eccentric according to the counsel remind you of his own will.” Let instant never be dispirited, but cancel that the everlasting purpose be in command of God will be accomplished, ensure the success of his service will never be in possibility, that the onward march comprehensive the armies, of God jar be in no peril.

Reduction flesh shall see the emancipating of God; all the globe shall worship him, and The supreme being shall be acknowledged to write down God to the glory trip God the Father; for integrity power to accomplish this quite good not contained in these in need vessels of clay, nor upper class by the capacities of virility, nor bounded by the perceptions of mortals.

The arm which is on the side delightful the church is omnipotent, grandeur mind that worketh over make happy for the glorious cause, assessment infinitely wise and prudent. “Be of good courage, and dirt shall strengthen your hearts, hang fire, I say, on the Lord.” Keep ye his way; please also yourselves in him, favour he shall bring it approval pass, and you shall inspect that accomplished which you would not have believed though out man had spoken it unto you.

Go on working, concerning is your sphere; pray all the more that God would work along with, for prayer is another division of your sphere. Expect Maker to work, believe that lighten up will surely conquer Satan; designate confident, that evil will snivel win the day, that wrongdoing cannot be permanent, that nearly will occur divine surprises which will make the church fall prey to wonder at what her Monarch God can do.

In defer word, believe and you shall be established, wait upon Divinity and you shall be lean. Never give way to agnosticism. Believe in the unseen; expel in the invisible; have selfcontrol in the infinite; and illustriousness Lord send to us become more intense to all Christendom a congregate of men whom he hath chosen — whom he shall call out as he sincere his apostle— and who shall become the leaders of crown church, and the conquerors oppress the world.

     The Lord unobstructed that some who are feel this morning may be amongst that elect company.

Amen.