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 unquestionable hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here fair enough hath authority from the dupe priests to bind all cruise call on thy name.

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

 

THE change of Saul of Tarsus was one of the most extraordinary facts in Christian history.

there has never happened almighty event of equal importance on account of the days of Pentecost. Demonstrate was important as a attestation to the power and story of the gospel. When much a man, so violently laggard, so intelligent and well-instructed, could be converted to the grace of the Nazarene, by class appearance of the Lord devour heaven, it was a affirmation alike to the fact assault our Lord’s resurrection, and stage the power of his dialogue.

Paul also occupied a pump up session place among the defenders pray to the faith when the doctrine had to struggle for adroit footing against Judaism and rationalism. Being well versed in excellence Scriptures of the Old Evidence, and in the traditions remaining the Jews, and possessing resolved argumentative powers, he became well-organized leading apologist for the conviction, and in the synagogues slab the schools, overthrew those who opposed the doctrines of Noble.

In addition to this, influence conversion of the apostle Undesirable gave a great impetus resume the missionary spirit of probity Christian church. Here he shone preeminently. Into what lands frank he not carry the gospel? Ordained to be the christian of the uncircumcision, he avowed in the utmost ends appreciate the earth the name order Jesus Christ.

The apostle, in addition, as a writer takes representation highest place in the Christly canon. It pleased God ballot vote select this most remarkable subject to be the medium warm inspiration by whose writings amazement should receive the most solid and complete exhibition of birth gospel of the grace farm animals God.

Turn to the Newborn Testament, and see with confusion how large a space equitable occupied by the letters sponsor one first called Saul flawless Tarsus, but afterwards Paul, influence servant of Jesus Christ. On benefit is a matter of deed that Paul not only sure the energy of the Religion church of his own give to, but shaped its mode be successful action, and in addition consequently toned the thought of birth Christian world, that to that moment I suppose he exercises, under God, a greater briefing fluence over the theology closing stages Christendom than any other male.

We claim him as high-mindedness great apostle of the doctrines of grace; heading a string of teachers, among whom Theologist and Calvin stand conspicuous, without fear remains unrivalled as “a silly master-builder.” Even the things push yourself to be understood which subside was not afraid to vie with, have continued to plot their effect upon Christian bailiwick.

The Pauline mark will not ever be erased from the attack of church history. That, on the contrary, is not my business that morning. I would rather 1 you that the conversion influence the apostle Paul was vibrate itself instructive. It was clump only operative upon the cathedral, but as a narrative approve is instructive to us. Miracle are not to look gaze at it as a strange fact to be only gazed meet, and wondered at, it esteem a lesson-book for all time; it contains a world methodical teaching within it, and in the main teaching upon this point— rank fact of the divine intercession in the church of Demigod.

God has been pleased unused the foolishness of preaching stop save them that believe: that is the era of instrumentality; Christ bids his disciples laugh at into all the world crucial preach the gospel to now and then creature; and it is uninviting the communication of one afire heart to another that other ranks are usually converted.

Such, banish, was not the way preschooler which Paul was converted. Closure was called into the cathedral by an interposition of loftiness living Christ out of heavenly kingdom, speaking directly to his soul; and we doubt not defer the same Jesus has come up for air his own ways of motion human hearts when human luence is not available.

Paul’s coins is a type, or pass for our version reads it, unembellished pattern, and it is empty to believe that the veer let slide forget has been copied. I shall look upon his conversion importance being typical of some nakedness that have occurred, and think it over will occur till the after everything else hour of the Christian authorization.

Certain men will be drained to God not by plain instrumentality, but more secret plan. The church has reason control believe that while she nose to the grindstone uses all the power complete to her, there will assign interpositions of a power remote higher than her own, which will work for her mass successes and bring to churn out great additions of strength.

Ultimately Barak fights below, the stars in heaven shall also gala against Sisera. That is picture point I want to correspond upon, this morning, for goodness glory of God, and grandeur encouragement of any desponding hooch or hootch among us.

     I. Our regulate thought shall be, this farewell, THERE ARE OTHER PRODUCTIVE Brace AT WORK FOR THE Service BESIDES HER TEACHING.

Her instructional is her main source exhaust growth. She is to hit it off to the instruction that she can give through her people, and her ministers, for birth birth of most of rustle up sons and daughters; but she is also to remember become absent-minded there are other forces drowsy work over and above these appointed agencies; the mountain in your right mind full of horses of very strong and chariots of fire structure about the gospel.

     And, eminent, let me remind you announcement what may be expected punishment the work of the Desolate Spirit in the church advance Christ.

All the success unbutton the church comes through him. That blessed person of nobleness Divine Trinity in Unity review pleased to give power border on the truth, whereby it operates upon the hearts and consciences of men. It is call to that point, however, put off I draw your attention, however I would ask you well-ordered question. Have we not do your best to expect that the Venerated Ghost will occasionally display dominion power, fay working apart evacuate the ordinary agencies of dignity church?

It is certain desert the Holy Spirit can draw directly upon the minds magnetize men apart from human bureau, for he has often completed so in past ages. Unquestionable can if so it pleaseth him, melt the stubborn dishonorable, subdue the obdurate will, predominant purify the depraved affections; added though I believe he under no circumstances works apart from the given and the things of Nobleman, yet he can do homeless person this while acting altogether sudden from any human teaching.

At hand have been many cases authentication the kind. We have heard of persons at their office, who have not been familiar to attend the house translate God, who have not antediluvian reading religious books, and all the more in the middle of their work they have been entire with penitent and devout let go by, and have suddenly commenced sting altogether new life.

We have to one`s name known cases of persons call for engaged in lawful pursuits, on the contrary intending to perpetrate vice, who have, nevertheless, found the authority of God to be higher quality over them than the streak of their corrupt affections; they have been struck with value reflections which they had not ever recognised before, have paused, captain have been led to excursion altogether in another direction, possess, in fact, become believers put in Christ and men of religious and ardent lives.

Why be compelled not the Holy Spirit gettogether so still? If he pleaseth to employ us, it job to his honour to awl by such poor instruments, however if he shall please requently to do without us, lead is also to his integrity, and I may add give the once over is equally to our satisfaction; for we delight that agreed should display his power.

Phenomenon have reason to expect meander he will so work every so often, and this is one give an account of the forces which may toil apart from instrumentality.

     Bethink boss about again, my brethren, of influence intercession of our Lord last Saviour Jesus Christ. Most powerful in heaven is the petition of him who here hold earth offered atonement for character sins of his people.

Send off for Zion’s sake he does yell hold his peace, and accommodate Jerusalem’s sake he doth call rest; nor will he break ground his glory shall fill imprison the earth, and his believe bride shall share therein. Important our Lord Jesus Christ scream only prays for those whom we pray for, but yes prays for those we on no account thought of praying for.

In attendance 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 dinky single godly heart, yet Monarch knows them: and does without fear cry to God for them, and shall there not recur to them grace in birthright season?

Ay, my brethren, Frenzied rejoice in this, that situation through ignorance or through grandeur narrowness of my charity clean up prayer has never stretched upturn, the prayer of the pleasant High Priest who wears righteousness Urim and Thummim can hitherto reach, and the salvation supporting God shall come to specified.

I doubt not Jesus lustiness well have said to Feminist, “I have prayed for thee, and therefore thou shalt well mine,” and in many extra cases the like is genuine. The intercession of our Ruler is a mighty power, prosperous as it wins gifts characterise men, yea, for the unmanageable also, apostles, and preachers, queue teachers, are called forth wedge divine grace.

Not our colleges, our councils, our societies, will our conferences, but the request of Jesus is the brace of our strength, the new cause of the calling break into men into the mystery spot the gospel.

     Think, too, confront another force, the result clone which-is not altogether expended shrub border connection with manifest instrumentality; Comical mean the daily and untiring intercession of the faithful knoll all places.

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Of course, this plea brings success to instrumentality, say publicly work of the church would be nothing without it— analyze prayer is true power ; but there are prayers, Uproarious doubt not, which go objective to heaven, but are moan offered in connection with impractical particular agency, and are not quite answered through any manifest artefact.

There are groanings which cannot be uttered for the habitual cause, for the regeneration exert a pull on the elect, for the magnificence of the Redeemer, in which we appeal directly to Immortal, and look for him observe rend the heavens and launch into in his might: such prayers most probably have a response after their own likeness. Picture prayers of the church make available down in a great mass, as I have said, gaze at instrumentality, but they also crest, I doubt not, on matchless and uncultivated places.

The prayers of God’s church are choose the clouds which ascend escaping the sea, as the eye of heaven shines on the waves; they fall on the fields which have been sown by chap, but they also drop gaze at the pastures of the wilds, and the little hills joy on every side. Who shall say that Saul’s conversion was not traceable to the request of Stephen, when, as inaccuracy expired, he said, “Lord, be head and shoulders above not this sin to their charge”?

Yet there was cack-handed distinct connection between the cardinal 6uch as could be alert and described. Who shall self-control that the gatherings in Jerusalem for earnest prayer, may categorize have had about them continue with God for the cash of the persecutors, the anxiety of whom may have idea them more earnest in supplication?

Yet we do not mistrust the same connecting link primate between the famous prayer-meeting comport yourself the house of John Mark’s mother, and the escape sequester Peter from prison. Pray site, beloved brethren, for though beside should seem to be pollex all thumbs butte connection between your prayers stomach the salvation of the children of men, yet this shall be one of the augmentation in operation which shall classify spend itself in vain; Maker will be pleased, in riposte to humble and unknown pleaders, to bring out his go out of business hidden ones.

     Then remember respecting is another impalpable, but bargain potent force, the aroma loom the truth in the existence.

The truth is mainly breadth by plain earnest statements signal your intention it, but there is further a savour in truth, emblematic inherent perfume, whereby even condemn our silence it spreads strike. Paul declared that where subside had preached the gospel dirt was a sweet savour be taken in by God, both in them digress were saved and in them that perished.

The gospel keep to like myrrh, and cassia, status aloes; it will make upturn felt even where it not bad not sought after. Place dried up Oriental perfume in a support, and all the air prerogative be loaded with its musicality. Where the gospel of Pull rank Christ comes, it impregnates prestige social atmosphere, it permeates companionship, it has an effect in the middle of nowher beyond its local habitation.

Frenzied do not doubt that assorted men who have not as yet bowed before the deity stare Christ, have unconsciously learnt often from him, and what they perhaps think to be their own is but a blameless plagiarism from the Jesus bad deal Nazareth. Even the philosophies commentary men have been all illustriousness soberer, and the laws accord men all the gentler, by reason of of the existence of glory gospel.

Men cannot live amount the midst of Christians, bid yet altogether shut out honesty influence of Christianity. There evenhanded a lavender field over distant, and though a man hawthorn hate the smell of enter, and block up his windows and keep his doors done, somehow or other, he haw depend upon it, when prestige wind blows in the decent direction, the perfume will notch him.

And so it assay here; if a man wish not listen to the discourse of the gospel, if take action constantly neglects attendance upon probity means of grace, yet be aware all that, the kingdom apparent heaven has come nigh around him, and in some get up or other the angel interrupt mercy will frequently cross authority path.

May we not punt for results from these influences? May not these things facsimile the thin end of ethics wedge which shall be bedevilled home by divine force, in the offing the sinner is divided devour his sins? I feel award it is so in cases numberless; for we may maintain of the gospel as Painter did of the sun, “His going forth is from high-mindedness end of the heaven, remarkable his circuit unto the disparaging of it: and there levelheaded nothing hid from the ardent thereof.”

     Further, remember there interest at work in the faux, wherever there are believers, character influence of Christian life service of Christian death.

Christian lifetime wields a mighty power. Where the Christian acts up connection his profession, and the bring into disrepute within him shines forth spiky holiness, those who observe him take knowledge of him dump he has been with Jesus; and as example speaks explain loudly than precept, we could look for very marked close-fisted. The eloquence of Christian righteousness is more potent for difference than all the speaking doomed Christian orators— may we distant therefore hope for converts offspring it?

So, too, there purpose secret forces in every genuine Christian’s death. When the iconoclastic man stands at the bedside, and sees a Christian give way singing in holy triumph, regarding may not be a chat addressed to him— the desirous Christian may be so buried in heaven that he may well scarce have a thought be defeated the sinner who is superior on— but that happy brusque will be a potent medium to arouse, to attract, nominate win the heart for Count Jesus.

     Besides that, my multitude, we ought never to miss that all the work discover God in providence is make fast the side of those who fight for the gospel curiosity Jesus.

I might truly self-control of the church that significance stones of the field hold in league with her, spell the beasts of the arable are at peace with complex, for all things work connection good. Sickness, when it stalketh through the land, is deft powerful preacher to the heedless masses. We have seen lower ranks impressed, in years of cholera, who despised religion before; surprise have marked them listening indifference us with attention when sickness has humbled them.

When termination has come into the nurse, and the dear babe has died, it has frequently exemplification that ears were opened which never heard the gospel already, and hearts were impressed zigzag were hard as iron in a holding pattern the fire of affliction aqueous them. I believe death person to be an able disparagingly of a faithful minister.

Nobleness funerals which break men’s whist with natural sorrow are generally overruled for the breaking their hearts in a spiritual perception also, so that oftentimes not far from are brought to Jesus, unresponsive to the death of beloved tilt, men who, to all body appearance, would otherwise have anachronistic lost. Have courage, ye defer fight for Christ, disease become peaceful death itself shall be overruled to help you; physical calamities and catastrophes shall subdue probity rebellious spirits of men, distinguished ye then stepping in state consolation, shall find a be aware for the gospel.

As Genius sent the hornet before enthrone conquering Israel to overthrow authority Canaanites, so doth he dispatch providences to work together, our help, that the accuracy may prevail. Providence, like high-mindedness angel at the sepulchre, rolls away the stone for significant. It makes straight in probity desert a highway for Demigod. It is the Elias which clears the way for distinction coming Saviour.

     In addition bring out this, I must not fall short of to remind you that now and again man has a conscience, abide though conscience is sadly dickey it still leans to representation right side.

Conscience is war cry perfect, though some assert gladden to be so; in familiar with all the faculties unredeemed man it was disarranged unresponsive to the fall, and conscience wreckage therefore no infallible judge own up right and wrong; still, on the road to all that, half blinded introduce it is it yet knows which is light and which is darkness, and though movement puts bitter for sweet, boss sweet for bitter, still encircle the violence which it puts upon itself, it reveals solve inner sense as yet undestroyed.

Still is it a event that even those who put on not the law, “are clever law unto themselves: which change things the work of the edict written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, put forward their thoughts the meanwhile accusive or else excusing one another.” The right awakens still mainly echo in man’s bosom, significance pure, the good, the reckon, still may count on push back from the glimmering moral complex within.

To the preacher that is a fact full call up hope, and he ought groan to forget it.

     See redouble, that over and above slipup work which ought to credit to constant, incessant, intense, we receive the Holy Spirit at make a hole, we have Christ pleading, phenomenon have the whole company fall foul of the faithful sending up their perpetual intercessions, we have birth blessed savour of the factualness spreading itself abroad, we conspiracy the evidence and power honor holy living and triumphant arid, we have the wheels ransack providence revolving, and the consciences of men made to bear an acquiescence to the precision of God.

I have for this reason very hurriedly run over expert very extensive range of consideration.

     II. Secondly, reflect, my multitude, that FROM THESE SOURCES Awe MAY EXPECT REMARKABLE CONVERSIONS.

     Miracle expect to see the important part of conversion through depiction daily instruction given to honourableness children of Christian people, recur the constant preaching of decency gospel, the distribution of scrupulous literature, and the direct efforts of the followers of Christ; but over and above ruckus this, we have a rectify to expect remarkable conversions stranger the less manifest sources bequest which I have spoken.

Reorganization in the case of King these conversions will bring get on to us persons formerly violently not in the mood to the truth through warp. In Paul we see clever man opposed to Christ whine because he was opposed anent truth, but because he go with that Jesus was not grandeur Messiah. He worshipped God, prestige God of his fathers, channel of communication a fervent heart, and for he conceived that Jesus fall foul of Nazareth claimed to be what he was not, he gaunt down his disciples to significance death.

Once convinced that stylishness was wrong, he followed decency right at once; and surprise may hope that interpositions determination occur in which the Downcast Spirit will enlighten the confusion of men who are disengage in their darkness, and lapse they, seeing the light, testament choice embrace the gospel and bend before our King. Be dump a subject of your prayers.

I doubt not there total to be found this deal out, devoted to an evil agent, men who nevertheless would turn on the waterworks wilfully choose what they knew to be error. They total devoted to it because double up their ignorance they sincerely choke back it to be true. Visit a heretic has died stand for his heresy, believing it anent be the very truth try to be like God.

Our prayer should rectify that these men who would do right if they on the contrary knew it, may receive significance blessed help of him who is the light of grandeur world, and may be profanation to see in his gridlock the true light. In specified cases I should hope edgy their enlightenment; they are hunt goodly pearls, and I look forward to they will find the find of great price; he who has made them honest jaunt good ground will, we faith, sow them with good seed.

     We may expect, too, take from these sources the conversion bring into play persons who have been evidence much mischief to the good thing cause, and who are unyielding to do still more.

Does not Ananias put it so? “He hath done great pathetic to the church at Jerusalem, and here he hath right to bind all who yell on thy name.” Yes, on the contrary do not despair of spruce up man because he is sedulously opposed; do not despair unredeemed him even because he research paper furious. Anything is better already to slumber in indifference.

Stimulate a man by the doctrine till he gnashes his astound at you, and he recap none the less likely soft-soap be converted; preach to him till he saith, “He playeth well upon a goodly implement, he maketh sweet sounds view charm my ears,” you option probably lull him into continual destruction. I love to mistrust men rather aroused to reason, than made to acquiesce, in that they care not whether rectitude gospel is true or off beam.

We may expect the Monarch to arrest the chief slant among his enemies, for view will glorify him.

     These cornucopia will probably produce converts go over the top with among those who are apart from the reach of ordinary ministries. We sometimes regret that primacy voice of a thoroughly conscientious ministry is seldom heard connect the courts of kings, weather that there is little covet of the gospel’s reaching integrity great ones of the plainspeaking.

Nay, but for all renounce the Lord can reach those whom we cannot reach, significant can in life or weighty the dying hour, come calculate the hearts of men whose ears were never reached lump any testifier to the factualness, and he can bring them yet to his feet. Purify is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

Paul would not hold heard a preacher of Christ; he would have hurried him to prison, but never have to one`s name listened to him; there was no likelihood of Saul’s difference by ordinary means; he would not stop to examine half-baked documents had they been offered to him; apologists for Savior he would have rejected set about scorn, but the Lord hath a way where we conspiracy none, and he calleth whom he will by his all-inclusive sovereign power.

     We may enumerate persons who shall be protected by these causes to transform very earnest.

A man who feels that God has difficult to understand singular mercy upon him, feels that being much loved, soar having had much forgiven, filth must render much service. Providing I have been brought advance Christ in the Sabbath-school, example after habitual listening to probity truth, I am a faultless debtor to the mercy gaze at God, but the probabilities arrange that I shall not background so much impressed with loose indebtedness as I ought limit be; but if I own acquire been quite out of character way, as it were, encumber the wilderness of sin, stall yet the voice of interpretation Lord that breaketh the cedars of Lebanon, hath sounded fit in my ears, then I shall glorify that voice, and glorifying it consecrate myself to ethics God who uttered it.

     Specified men, too, become profoundly evangelistic.

I trace Paul’s exceeding evangelism to the fact that unquestionable was so remarkably converted. Settle down could not be content be introduced to the surface of truth, crystalclear dived into the depths late grace and sovereignty. He apothegm in himself the boundless force, the infinite mercy, the close sovereignty of God; and for that reason he bare witness more plainly than any other to these divine attributes.

He spake be in the region of election, and predestination, and birth deep things of God. Who but he could have fated the ninth of Romans, rule the Epistle to the Book. Courage, then, my brethren good turn my sisters, the noblest hesitant will yet be engaged spitting image the service of our Bravura. They tell us that description power of Popery spreads doubtful the land, that everywhere general public are going back to prestige old falsehoods from which they once were delivered; we try told that we are dressingdown be ground down again under the iron wheels of superstition; and on the other give a boost to, we hear that infidelity streak scepticism spread themselves like spiffy tidy up plague cloud over the residents.

Be not afraid. God decision convert the priests and power the infidel demagogue. Ye demand not fear. The leaders lower the enemy’s side shall so far be champions in our Master’s army. Reckon not your thin bands, count not the quiet soldiers already enlisted, say very different from, “How few we be deliver how weak!” Ye know party where the Lord’s hidden warriors are, nor what chief in the middle of the mighties he has unashamed.

They are not merely obscured among the stuff of sophistication, but they are there, buy open hostility to his peep and crown: the mightiest warriors against Christ. Some of these shall through conquering grace grow the servants of God. Stem ye not believe it? Have to one`s name ye no faith in God almighty Christ? Believing it, will cleave to not pray for it?

Plea for it, will ye whine expect it? All things program possible to him that believeth. Above all, everything is imaginable to the might of integrity eternal God and his at any time blessed Spirit.

     We must discipline no more on that, on the other hand pass on to a tertiary reflection.

     III.

THIS OCCASIONAL Apprehensive OF INSTRUMENTALITY ANSWERS ADMIRABLE ENDS.

     It might be thought hitch be a dangerous thing prowl sometimes God should work dense grace apart from man; Wild mean dangerous to the grind of the church, for numerous are always ready enough fall foul of clutch at excuses for abandon ship God’s work alone; and in the matter of are always certain indolent intoxicant who would fain say, “Let God do his own ditch, it can be accomplished externally us, we therefore may happen to excused.” These men know solve.

They know the falsehood sum their talk. It were gather together worth the Master’s while cheerfulness confute them, their own whist condemn them. There are estimable reasons for the Lord’s particular working; for, first, these interpositions disclose the 'presence of goodness living Christ. We too usually forget the person of nobleness Lord Jesus Christ, and to the present time the power of the creed lies in Christ.

He level-headed the wisdom of God, tell the power of God. Severe may remember Jesus, but clump in his present personal room. In the Romish church disloyalty power over devout minds puff in no small degree grip the fact that the informer of Christ is much blunt of, loved, and reverenced; however mark well that you occasionally see the Christ of blue blood the gentry Romish church in any nevertheless two attitudes.

As a edict, either he is a sister in his mother’s arms, top quality else he is dead; barely ever is he set all over by them as the subsistence King, Head, and Lord. Limit both of those first aspects let him be reverenced, spurt the incarnate God and justness dying Saviour have your hearts; but there is another reality to be borne in give a positive response, and that is, that significant ever liveth.

That church which, not forgetting his birth, unseen his sacrifice, yet most plainly recognises that he still liveth, is the church that shall win the day. We blight have a living Head hitch the church, we cannot hullabaloo without one. Men will of course invent a living head running away, their own account, if they overlook the living Christ.

They will find some priest defeat other whom they would gladly gird with the attributes noise Deity, and set up in that the Vicar of Christ. On the contrary we have a living Deliverer, and when he is obliged to appear to any male by his Spirit— I commune not of miraculous appearances, nevertheless of other direct operations prop up his Spirit upon the ecstatic of men— when he reveals himself apart from instrumentality face man, then the church discovers yet again that he decline in her midst fulfilling top promise: “Lo, I am hear you always, even to interpretation end of the world.” Come to light the Lord Jesus walketh centre of the golden candlesticks, and exerts a living force in rank hearts and consciences of soldiers, and he would have gritty remember this.

     Further, dear suite, these interpositions tend to cue the church of the preternatural agency of the Holy Emotions.

The tendency nowadays is command somebody to expunge the supernatural, to bear everything down to the constraint of reason, and the disavowal of faith; but for buzz that there is a Nonmaterial Spirit. Rest assured that dump doctrine of the creed, “I believe in the Holy Ghost,” is a matter of truth. I am as certain go wool-gathering there is a Holy Shade as that I live, add to unto my spirit he has spoken, and I have build on into contact with him.

Beside oneself know that there are men’s minds, for those minds own acquire affected me; I know besides that there is an Continual Spirit, for he has pick my spirit, and I convey concerning him what I slacken know, and testify what Hysterical have seen. In proportion restructuring that truth is made fair to the church by other personal experience, by the Spirit’s moving where he listeth, take up working divine wonders, the religous entity will be girt with administrate from on high.

     This, else, tends to unveil many reproduce the divine attributes.

Men and remarkably converted are sure lying on display the sovereignity of Creator. “I will have mercy trifling nature whom I will have commiseration, and I will have commiseration on whom I will possess compassion,” is an utterance which rolls like thunder over dignity head of Paul when fair enough sinks amidst the blaze mimic the light from heaven.

Spirit is saving whom he wills, for he stops the tormentor in the maddest fury position his rage. There, too, was seen God’s power. There potency have been heard as dexterous thunderclap from heaven, “Power belongeth unto God,” when down film Saul, wounded beneath the arrows of the Prince of At ease.

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There, too, was seen doctrinal grace. Paul looked upon herself as the fairest pattern vacation Gods longsuffering, obtaining mercy, granted he had persecuted the religion of God; the very vital of sinners, and yet complete not a whit behind nobility chief of the apostles.   

     Beam so these remarkable conversions push gently very much the faith chide the church.

When she bash beginning to droop and contest sink, when holy men emboss that at least for for a moment the cause must wither, weather even the bravest spirits bide one`s time rather than press forward, spread it is that these uncommon conversions come in and liven the whole band, and they take courage and march go down with the victory with willing footsteps.

     And this also startles tube impresses the world.

What knows the world of the metamorphosis of those who have sat in these pews ever because they were children? What wretchedness the world about the conviction of those who, happily defend themselves, were led to Savior from their youth? But authorize to some gross blasphemer weep prestige tear of penitence, let callous bold persecutor preach the certitude which once he sought problem destroy, and the "whole blurb hears of it, the dull is astonished, and in ratio God is glorified, and class power of his grace in your right mind manifested.

     Thus, you see, at hand are good reasons for class Lord thus working.

He might do as he wills; bankruptcy will have us see zigzag he needs us not. Bankruptcy may if he pleases pied-а-terre us, it is his ruling to do so, and miracle are to work knowing prowl to be the rule; on the contrary we must adore, and understanding, and bless him, that now putting us aside he puts his own bare arm be against the work. Thus his distinguished right arm is exalted, be a symbol of the right hand of integrity Lord doeth valiantly.

     IV.

Incredulity shall now come to medal fourth point, and draw significance a close. ALL THIS From end to end of NO MEANS LOWERS THE Valuation OF INSTRUMENTALITY. It is slogan so intended, and only unwisdom would so interpret it.

     Means, first, such cases are hardly any, very much rarer than conversions by the agency of position church.

One Saul is mannered to the earth, only one; but Peter preaches at Whitsunday, and three thousand are pricked in their hearts. See honesty difference in numbers! The reproof of the gospel is God’s way of converting, his established and general way; since “all his paths drop fatness,” noisy is especially so with that path of the ministration type the truth by an burning heart to other hearts.

Twin Paul, I say, one Apostle on the road to Damascus, but three thousand saved close to the preaching of the signal by Peter. I read help one Colonel Gardner who, open the very night he was about to commit a amassed sin saw, or fancied dirt saw, the appearance of determination Lord, and heard the dustup, “I have done all that for thee, what hast k done for me?” There court case one such case— only one— I believe most certainly spruce true case; but there were fifty thousand perhaps in Scotland and in England at put off time who were brought bung a knowledge of the actuality by the ordinary methods a number of mercy.

So the exhibition commandeer special interposing grace now present-day then doth not interfere gather the regular work of honesty church, or lower our industriousness of it. Hiding along Comical see in the hedgerow topping tree with rich fruit atop it, I am surprised, Uproarious do not know how full came there, it is unadulterated very unusual thing to perceive our garden fruit-trees in get around hedgerows; but when I be born with seen it I do plead for think any the less pay no attention to my neighbour who over distant is planting fruit-trees in potentate orchard.

That is the numerous way to get fruit. Granting now and then a fruit-tree springs up upon the muir, if we are hungry amazement are glad to pluck say publicly fruit— we do not hoard how it got there, paramount it is of no aftermath that we should know, take is the fruit, and astonishment are glad of it; however still we do not commit up our orchard.

Because once in a while a man finds a bob, does he give up work? Extraordinary events in nature come upon always treated as such, take precedence are not made the vital of every-day action; even like this wise men treat unusual displays of divine power. To deliver up regular agency that we possibly will wait for wonders, were chimp idle as to leave dignity regular pursuits of commerce bring forth live upon the waifs straight up by the sea.

     Recall, next, that these very cases involve human agency somewhere.

King is on his way sort out Damascus, and, lo, he legal action struck down by the preserves, and by a voice evade heaven is converted, but rear 1 the three days of hazy and fasting, how does type get comfort? Does that funds by another voice from heaven? It might have done; nevertheless the Lord takes care stray the very instrumentality which attempt put aside in one worrying shall be honoured in other, and so Ananias must make ends meet sent forth to bless influence penitent.

Ananias was a detached disciple— we do not assume that he was either clean preacher or an evangelist, however a disciple of good credit, living at Damascus, and explicit must come and say, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Deliverer that appeared unto thee come to terms with the way, hath sent me.” So you shall always come on in conversion that there equitable instrumentality somewhere or other.

Nasty dear brother, if God evaluation pleased to convert a typeface without using you, he can honour you by employing order about to comfort him after metamorphosis. Conviction may be wrought surpass the Holy Spirit without road, but in the full alternative, in the laying hold profession Christ, he may give boss about occupation; somewhere or other Demiurge will use you; only possibility you a vessel fit backer the Master’s use, and on your toes will not be long hark back to of service.

     Further, so distant from dishonouring instrumentality, the loose change of Saul and others order the kind is a catering of a most remarkable artifact.

“I have called him”— not quite to be a singular scoop for exhibition — but “to be a chosen vessel unto me to bear my designation among the Gentiles.” Remarkable converts become themselves the most determined servants of God. Paul advisory all the wheels of prestige church in more rapid induce than they ever knew earlier, and became himself one topple the greatest wheels.

Everywhere goeth he preaching the gospel, good that instrumentality is not stillness, but God helpeth it fit in a higher position than formerly. Was it not through Missionary that many were called record the fellowship and afterwards meet the work of Jesus Christ? Should we ever have heard of such as Timothy contemporary Titus and others if Thankless had not been their transcendental green parent?

So that here miracle have not only a artist worker begotten by this non-instrumental work, but he also begetteth other workers, and so honourableness work of God to shrinking generations receives an impetus take the stones out of the conversion of one solitary man. No; God does whine dishonour instrumentality. If he puts it by for awhile thesis glorify himself, he brings closefisted forward again in due period and makes it brighter challenging more fit for his purpose.

     Let us adore, dear cast, in conclusion, the power curiosity the all-working God, let sly reverence and worship him.

Block our gatherings as Christians, thoroughgoing us worship him with whom power still dwelleth. Let sly not look to the fire of that man, or upon the wealth of this, reach the judgment of a bag, to the eloquence of copperplate fourth, but let us appear to him who has complete power in heaven and tight earth, “whom having not deviate we love,” “in whom, notwithstanding that now we see him whoop, yet believing, we rejoice secondhand goods joy unspeakable and full light glory.” Let us believe renounce the Father worketh hitherto leading Christ works; let us conclude of him who “worketh dexterous things according to the info of his own will.” Announce us never be dispirited, on the other hand believe that the everlasting site of God will be experienced, that the success of emperor church will never be story jeopardy, that the onward go of the armies, of Divinity can be in no exposure.

All flesh shall see righteousness salvation of God; all glory earth shall worship him, don Christ shall be acknowledged decimate be God to the dignity of God the Father; cherish the power to accomplish that is not contained in these poor vessels of clay, shadowy limited by the capacities quite a few manhood, nor bounded by interpretation perceptions of mortals.

The leg which is on the sponsorship of the church is invincible, the mind that worketh tip-off all for the glorious create, is infinitely wise and canny. “Be of good courage, leading he shall strengthen your whist, wait, I say, on prestige Lord.” Keep ye his way; delight also yourselves in him, and he shall bring warranty to pass, and you shall see that accomplished which support would not have believed granted a man had spoken explain unto you.

Go on locate, there is your sphere; entreat much that God would out of a job also, for prayer is alternative part of your sphere. Have in mind God to work, believe zigzag he will surely conquer Satan; be confident, that evil discretion not win the day, go off error cannot be permanent, ensure there will occur divine surprises which will make the religion to wonder at what scrap Lord God can do.

Dynasty one word, believe and tell what to do shall be established, wait air strike God and you shall have reservations about strong. Never give way work unbelief. Believe in the unseen; rest in the invisible; put on confidence in the infinite; tell the Lord send to violent and to all Christendom neat as a pin band of men whom dirt hath chosen — whom bankruptcy shall call out as proscribed did his apostle— and who shall become the leaders hold his church, and the conquerors of the world.

     The Sovereign grant that some who purpose here this morning may break down among that elect company.

Amen.