In this part of our subject we wish not to be misunderstood : we do not say, that the parallel between Zaecheus and others holds good in the suddenness of his conversion : for though God may convert persons as suddenly now, as he did in the days of old, we apprehend that conversion in these days is, for the most part, gradual and progressive. But, with respect to the first imparting of the divine life to the soul, we conceive that there is no difference between him and us : it is alike in all cases, unmerited, unsolicited, unthought of.]
The resemblance between his salvation and ours may be yet further seen, II. In the manner in which it operates —
Exceeding different were the effects produced,
1. On the receiver —
[No sooner had the grace of Christ wrought effectually on the heart of Zaecheus, than he approved himself indeed to be a child of Abraham.
Behold the change wrought in him in reference to Christ. Before, he had no regard for Christ : but now he came down gladly, and received him joyfully to his house, and accounted an intercourse with him as the most desirable of all blessings. See the change also in reference to his fellow-creatures. Be- fore, he had disregarded all the duties both of justice and mercy ; and now he set himself to the diligent performance of them. Had he wronged any person, either by false accusation, or in any other way? he would now make restitution even four-fold, or to the utmost demands of the lawa. Had he overlooked the necessities of the poor? he would, from this moment, consecrate to their service one half of his possessions.
Here we see the invariable effects of grace upon the soul : it will change all our dispositions and conduct : it will make us to delight ourselves in the Lord Jesus Christ, and to desire above all things the advancement of his glory. It will make us also to fill up in a very different way our duties in society. Instead of leaving us under the influence of covetous practices and selfish passions, it will cause us to seek our happiness in diffusing happiness around us : it will never suffer us to rest till we have made restitution to all whom we may have injured, and to undo (as far as possible) all the evil we have done ; and it will lead us to do in all things as we would in a change of circumstances have others do to us.]
2. On the beholders —
[One would have supposed, that, on seeing such a change wrought on a notorious sinner, all who beheld it should
a Exod. xxii. 1.