3. In its manner, by a revelation of Christ to the soul —
[As far as relates to the external circumstances, we have before said that no analogy exists : but as it respects the revelation of Christ to the soul, conversion is the same in all. There may be a preparatory work of conviction without this ; but no conversion : for in this consists the essence of conver- sion, if we may so speak. The revelation given in the Scrip- tures may inform the mind ; but it is the revelation made to the soul, that can alone convert and save the soul. The means which converted Saul, produced no such effect on his companions. Many others heard the word preached to them, as well as Lydia : but she received benefit from it which others did not, because " the Lord opened her heart to attend to the things that were spoken." So, if we are savingly enlightened, it is because God has " opened the eyes of our understanding," and " given us the Spirit of wisdom and reve- lation in the knowledge of his Son '2," and "shined into our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ"." It is then only that we truly "receive Christ" as our Saviour0: then only do we "feed truly on his flesh and blood ;" then only do we " believe in him to the saving of the soul."]
4. In its end, to make him known in the world —
[We are not all called, like St. Paul, " to preach Christ among the heathen ;" but we are called, like Paul himself, to confess him openly p, and to become his avowed followers, and to shew forth in our life and conversation the power of his grace. We are all to " shine as lights in a dark world, hold- ing forth the word of life q." We are to be his witnesses, even " epistles of Christ known and read of all men." We are so to make our " light shine before men, that all who see us may approve of his ways, and glorify his name1."]
From the effect produced on him by his conver- sion, we are led to consider,
II. Wherein our conduct must resemble his —
It is probable that his words relate rather to his not seeking any intercourse with those who were at that time the pillars of the Christian Church, than to any workings of his own mind, which he studiously
«» Eph. i. 17, 18. n 2 Cor. iv. 6. ° John i. 12.
p Acts xxii. 14, 15. Matt. x. 32, 33. i Phil. ii. 15, 1(3.
1 Matt. v. 16.