And therefore (that I may draw towards a conclusion) let the ministers and disciples of CHRIST learn from _Saul_, not to fear men or their revilings; but, like him, increase in strength, the more wicked men endeavour to weaken their hands. We cannot be christians without being opposed: no; disciples in general must suffer; ministers in particular must suffer great things. But let not this move any of us from our stedfastness in the gospel: He that stood by and strengthened _Saul_, will also stand by and strengthen us: He is a GOD mighty to save all that put their trust in him. If we look up with an eye of faith, we, as well as the first martyr _Stephen_, may see JESUS standing at the right hand of GOD, ready to assist and protect us. Though the LORD’s seat is in heaven, yet he has respect to his saints in an especial manner, when suffering here on earth: then the Spirit of CHRIST and of glory rests upon their souls. And, if I may speak my own experience, “I never enjoy more rich communications from GOD, than when despised and rejected of men for the sake of JESUS CHRIST.” However little they may design it, my enemies are my greatest friends. What I most fear, is a calm; but the enmity which is in the hearts of natural men against CHRIST, will not suffer them to be quiet long: No; as I hope the work of GOD will increase, so the rage of men and devils will increase also. Let us put on, therefore, the whole armour of GOD: let us not fear the face of men: “Let us fear him only, who can destroy both body and soul in hell:” I say unto you, let us fear him alone. You see how soon GOD can stop the fury of his enemies.
You have just now heard of a proud, powerful zealot stopt in his full career, struck down to the earth with a light from heaven, converted by the almighty power of efficacious grace, and thereupon zealously promoting, nay, resolutely suffering for, the faith, which once with threatenings and slaughters he endeavoured to destroy. Let this teach us to pity and pray for our LORD’s most inveterate enemies. Who knows, but in answer thereunto, our LORD may give them repentance unto life? Most think, that CHRIST had respect to _Stephen_’s prayer, when he converted _Saul_. Perhaps for this reason GOD suffers his adversaries to go on, that his goodness and power may shine more bright in their conversion.
But let not the persecutors of CHRIST take encouragement from this to continue in their opposition. Remember, though _Saul_ was converted, yet the high-priest, and _Saul_’s companions, were left dead in trespasses and sins: And, if this should be your case, you will of all men be most miserable: for persecutors have the lowest place in hell. And, if _Saul_ was struck to the earth by a light from heaven, how will you be able to stand before JESUS CHRIST, when he comes in terrible majesty to take vengeance on all those who have persecuted his gospel? Then the question, “Why persecutest thou me?” will cut you through and through. The secret enmity of your hearts shall be then detected before men and angels, and you shall be doomed to dwell in the blackness of darkness for evermore. Kiss the Son, therefore, lest he be angry: for even you may yet find mercy, if you believe on the Son of GOD: though you persecute him, yet he will be your JESUS. I cannot despair of any of you, when I find a _Saul_ among the disciples at _Damascus_. What though your sins are as scarlet, the blood of CHRIST shall wash them as white as snow. Having much to be forgiven, despair not; only believe, and like _Saul_, of whom I have now been speaking, love much. He counted himself the chiefest sinner of all, and therefore laboured more abundantly than all.