Ten Sermons, Sermon 5
SERMON V.
SAUL'S CONVERSION.
ACTS ix. 22.
But Saul increaſed the more in ſtrength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damaſcus, proving that this is very Chriſt.
IT is an undoubted truth, however it may ſeem a paradox to natural men, that "whoſoever will live godly in Chriſt Jeſus, ſhall ſuffer perſecution." And therefore it is very remarkable, that our bleſſed Lord, in his glorious ſermon on the Mount, after he had been pronouncing thoſe bleſſed, who were poor in ſpirit, meek, pure in heart, and ſuch like, immediately adds (and ſpends no leſs than three verſes in this beatitude) "Bleſſed are they who are perſecuted for righteouſneſs ſake." No one ever was, or ever will be endowed with the forementioned graces in any degree, but he will be perſecuted for it in a meaſure. There is an ir…concileable enmity between the ſeed of the woman, and the ſeed of the ſerpent. And if we are not of the world, but ſhew by our fruits that we are of the number of thoſe whom Jeſus Chriſt has choſen out of the world, for that very reaſon the world will hate us. As this is true of every particular Chriſtian, ſo it is true of every Chriſtian church in general. For ſome years paſt we have heard but little of a public perſecution: why! Becauſe but little of the power of godlineſs has prevailed amongſt all denominations. The ſtrong man armed has had full poſſeſſion of moſt profeſſors' hearts, and therefore he has let them reſt in a falſe peace. But we may aſſure ourſelves, when Jeſus Chriſt begins to gather in his elect in any remarkable manner, and opens an effectual door for preaching the everlaſting goſpel, perſecution will flame out, and Satan and his emiſſaries will do their utmoſt (though all in vain) to ſtop the work of God. Thus it was in the firſt ages; thus it is in our days, and thus it will be till time ſhall be no more.
Chriſtians, and Chriſtian churches muſt then expect enemies. Our chief concern ſhould be, to learn how to behave towards them in a Chriſtian manner: for unleſs we take good heed to ourſelves, we ſhall embitter our ſpirits, and act unbecoming the followers of the Lord, "who, when he was reviled, reviled not again▪ when he ſuffered, threatened not; and, as a lamb before his ſhearers is dumb; ſo opened he not his mouth." But what motive ſhall w… make uſe of to bring ourſelves to this bleſſed Lamb-like temper? Next to the immediate operation of the Holy Spirit upon our hearts, I know of no conſideration more conducive to teach us long-ſuffering towards our moſt bitter perſecutors; than this, "That, for all that we know to the contrary, ſome of thoſe very perſons, who are now perſecuting, may be choſen from all eternity by God, and hereafter called in time, to edify and build up the church of Chriſt."
The perſecutor Sa…l▪ mentioned in the words of the text (and whoſe converſion God willing, I propoſe to treat on in the following diſcourſe) is a noble inſtance of this kind.
I ſay, a perſecutor, and that a bloody one: for ſee how he is introduced in the beginning of this chapter; "and Saul yet breathing out threatenings and ſlaughter againſt the diſciples of our Lord, went unto the high prieſt, and deſired of him letters to Damaſcus to the ſynagogues, that if he found any of THIS WAY, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jeruſalem."
"And Saul yet breathing out." This implies that he had been a perſecutor before. To prove which, we need only look back to the ſeventh chapter, where we ſhall find him ſo very remarkably active at Stephen's death, that the "witneſſes laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whoſe name was Saul." He ſeems, though young to be in ſome authority. Perhaps, for his zeal againſt the Chriſtians, he was preferred in the church, and was allowed to ſit in the great council or ſanhedrim; for we are told, chap. viii. ver. I. "That Saul was conſenting unto his death;" and again, at ver. 3. he is brought in as exceeding all in his oppoſition; for thus ſpeaks the evangeliſt, "as for Saul, he made havock of the church, entering into every houſe, and haling men and women, committed them to priſon." One would have imagined, that this ſhould have ſatisfied; at leaſt abated the fury of this young zealot. No: being exceedingly mad againſt them, as he himſelf informs Agrippa, and having made havock of all in Jeruſalem, he now is reſolved to perſecute the diſciples of the Lord, even to ſtrange cities; and therefore yet breathing out threatening. "Breathing out." The words are very emphatical, and expreſſive of his bitter enmity. It was a natural to him now to threaten the Chriſtians, as it was for him to breathe: he could ſcarce ſpeak, but it was ſome threatenings againſt them. Nay, he not only breathed out threatenings, but ſlaughters alſo (and thoſe who threaten, would alſo ſlaughter, if it were in their power) againſt the diſciples of the Lord. Inſatiable therefore as hell, finding he could not refute or ſtop the Chriſtians by force of argument, he is reſolved to do it by force of arms; and therefore went to the high prieſt (for there never was a perſecution yet without a high prieſt at the head of it) and deſired of him letters, iſſued out of his ſpiritual court, to the ſynagogues or eccleſiaſtical courts at Damaſcus, giving him authority, "that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jeruſalem"—I ſuppoſe to be arraigned and condemned in the high prieſt's court. Obſerve how he ſpeaks of the Chriſtians. Luke, who wrote the Acts, calls them diſciples of the Lord, and Saul ſtyles them men and women of this way. I doubt not but he repreſented them as a company of upſtart enthuſiaſts, that had lately gotten into a new method or way of living; that would not be content with the temple-ſervice, but they muſt he righteous over-much, and have their private meetings or conventicles; and break bread, as they called it, from houſe to houſe, to the great diſturbance of the eſtabliſhed clergy, and to the utter ſubverſion of all order and decency. I do not …ear that the high prieſt makes any objection: No, he was as willing to grant letters, as Saul was to aſk them; and wonderfully pleaſed within himſelf, to find he had ſuch an active zealot to employ againſt the Chriſtians.
Well then, a judicial proceſs is immediately iſſued out, with the high prieſt's ſeal affixed to it. And now methinks I ſee the young perſecutor finely equipped, and pleaſing himſelf with thoughts how triumphantly he ſhould ride back with the men and women of this way, dragging after him to Jeruſalem.
What a condition may we imagine the poor diſciples at Damaſcus were in at this time! No doubt they had heard of S…ul's impriſoning and making havock of the ſaints at Jeruſalem, and we may well ſuppoſe were appriſed of his deſign againſt them. I am perſuaded this was a growing, becauſe a trying time with theſe dear people. O how did they wreſtle with God in prayer, beſeeching him either to deliver them from, or give them grace ſufficient to enable them to bear up under the fury of their perſecutors? The high prieſt doubtleſs with the reſt of his reverend brethren, flattered themſelves, that they ſhould now put an effectual ſtop to this growing hereſy, and waited with impatience for Saul's return.
But, "He that ſitteth in heaven laughs them to ſcorn, the Lord has them in deriſion…" And therefore, ver. 3. "As Saul journeyed, and came even near unto Damaſcus," perhaps to the very gates (our Lord permitting this, to try the faith of his diſciples, and more conſpicuouſly to baffle the deſigns of his enemies) "ſuddenly at midday, as he acquaints Agrippa) there ſhined round about him a light from heaven," a light brighter than the ſun; "and he fell to the earth (why not into hell?) and heard a voice ſaying unto him, Saul, Saul, why perſecuteſt thou me?" The word is doubled, Saul, Saul: like that of our Lord to Martha; Martha, Martha; or the prophet, O earth, earth, earth! Perhaps theſe words came like thunder to his ſoul. That they were ſpoken audibly, we are aſſured from verſe 7. His companions heard the voice. Our Lord now arreſts the perſecuting zealot, calling him by name; for the word never does us good, till we find it ſpoken to us in particular. "Saul, Saul, why perſecuteſt thou ME?" Put the emphaſis upon the word why, what evil have I done? Put it upon the word perſecuteſt, why perſecuteſt! I ſuppoſe Saul thought he was not perſecuting; no, he was only putting the laws of the eccleſiaſtical court into execution; but Jeſus, whoſe eyes are as a flame of fire, ſaw through the hypocriſy of his heart, that, notwithſtanding his ſpecious pretences, all this proceeded from a perſecuting ſpirit, and ſecret enmity of heart againſt God; and therefore ſays, "Why perſecuteſt thou ME?" Put the emphaſis upon the word ME, "Why perſecuteſt thou me?" Alas! Saul was not perſecuting Chriſt, was he? He was only taking care to prevent innovations in the church, and bringing a company of enthuſiaſts to juſtice, who otherwiſe would overturn the eſtabliſhed conſtitution. But Jeſus ſays, "Why perſecuteſt thou me?" For what is done to Chriſt's diſciples, he takes as done to himſelf, whether it be good or whether it be evil. He that touches Chriſt's diſciples, touches the apple of his eye; and they that perſecute the followers of our Lord would perſecute our Lord himſelf, was he again to come and tabernacle among us.
I do not find that Saul gives any reaſon why he did perſecute; no, he was ſtruck dumb; as every perſecutor will be, when Jeſus Chriſt puts this ſame queſtion to them at the terrible day of judgment. But being pricked at the heart, no doubt with a ſenſe not only of this, but of all his other offences againſt the great God, he ſaid, ver. 5. "Who art thou, Lord?" See how ſoon God can change the heart and voice of his moſt bitter enemies. Not many days ago, Saul was not only blaſpheming Chriſt himſelf, but, as much as in him lay, compelling others to blaſpheme alſo: But now, he who before was an impoſtor, is called "Lord; who art thou, Lord?" This admirably points out the way in which God's Spirit works upon the heart: It firſt powerfully convinces of ſin, and of our damnable ſtate; and then puts us upon inquiring after Jeſus Chriſt. Saul being ſtruck to the ground, or pricked to the heart, cries out after Jeſus, "Who art thou, Lord?" As many of you that were never ſo far made ſenſible of your damnable ſtate, as to be made feelingly to …eek after Jeſus Chriſt, were never yet truly convicted by, much leſs converted to, God. May the Lord, who ſtruck Saul, effectually now ſtrike all my Chriſt-leſs hearers, and ſet them upon inquiring after Jeſus as their ALL in ALL! Saul ſaid, "Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord ſaid, I am Jeſus, whom thou perſecuteſt." Never did any one inquire truly after Jeſus Chriſt, but Chriſt made a ſaving diſcovery of himſelf to his …oul. It ſhould ſeem, our Lord appeared to him in perſon; for Ananias, afterwards ſays, "the Lord who appeared to thee in the way which thou cameſt;" though this may only imply Chriſt's meeting him in the way; it is not much matter: It is plain Chriſt here ſpeaks to him, and ſays "I am Jeſus, whom thou perſecuteſt." It is remarkable, how our Lord takes to himſelf the name of Jeſus; for it is a name in which he delights: I am Jeſus, a Saviour of my people; both from the guilt and power of their ſins; a "Jeſus, whom thou perſecuteſt." This ſeems to be ſpoken to convince Saul more and more of his ſin: and I doubt not, but every word was ſharper than a two-edged ſword, and came like ſo many daggers to his heart: O, how did theſe words affect him! a Jeſus! a Saviour! and yet I am perſecuting him! This ſtrikes him with horror; but then the word Jeſus, though he was a perſecutor, might give him ſome hope. However, our dear Lord, to convince Saul that he was to be ſaved by grace, and that he was not afraid of his power and enmity, tells him, "It is hard for thee to kick againſt the pricks." As much as to ſay, though he was perſecuting, yet he could not overthrow the church of Chriſt: For he would …it as King upon his holy hill of Zion; the malice of men or devils ſhould never be able to prevail againſt him.
Ver. 6. And he "trembling and aſtoniſhed, ſaid, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Thoſe, who think Saul had a diſcovery of Jeſus made to his heart before, think that this queſtion is the reſult of his faith, and that he now deſires to know what he ſhall do, out of gratitude, for what the Lord had done for his ſoul; in this ſenſe it may be underſtood,*See my Sermon on, What think ye of Chriſt? and I have made uſe of it as an inſtance to prove, that faith will work by love; but perhaps it may be more agreeable to the context, if we ſuppoſe that Saul had only ſome diſtant diſcovery of Chriſt made to him, and not a full aſſurance of faith: For we are told, "he trembling and aſtoniſhed," trembling at the thoughts of his perſecuting a Jeſus, and aſtoniſhed at his own vileneſs, and the infinite condeſcenſion of this Jeſus, cries out, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" Perſons under ſoul-trouble, and ſore conviction, would be glad to do any thing, or comply on any terms, to get peace with God. "Ariſe ſays our Lord) and go into the city, and it ſhall be told thee what thou ſhalt do."
And here we will leave Saul a while, and ſee what is become of his companions. But what ſhall we ſay? God is a ſovereign agent; his ſacred Spirit bloweth when and where it liſteth; "He will have mercy on whom he will have mercy." Saul is taken, but, as far as we know to the contrary, his fellow-travellers are left to periſh in their ſins; For we are told, ver. 7. "That the men who journeyed with him ſtood, indeed ſpeechleſs, and hearing a confuſed voice," for ſo the word ſignifies, and muſt be ſo interpreted, in order to reconcile it with chap. xxii. ver. 9. where Saul giving an account of theſe men, tells Agrippa, "They heard not the voice of him that ſpake to me." They heard a voice, a confuſed noiſe, but not the articulate voice of him that ſpake to Saul, and therefore remained unconverted. For what are all ordinances, all, even the moſt extraordinary diſpenſations of providence, without Chriſt ſpeaks to the ſoul in them? Thus it is now under the word preached: many, like Saul's companions, are ſometimes ſo ſtruck with the out-goings of God appearing in the ſanctuary, that they even ſtand ſpeechleſs; they hear the preacher's voice, but not the voice of the Son of God, who, perhaps at the ſame time is ſpeaking effectually to many other hearts; this I have known often; and what ſhall we ſay to theſe things? O the depth of the ſovereignty of God! It is paſt finding out. Lord▪ I deſire to adore what I cannot comprehend. "Even … "fo… …o it ſeemeth good in thy ſight!▪
But to return to Saul: the Lord bids him ariſe and go into the city; and we are told, ver. 8. that "Saul aroſe from the earth; and when his eyes were opened," (he was ſo overpowered with the greatneſs of the light that ſhone upon them) that "he ſaw no man; but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damaſcus," that very city which was to be the place of his executing or impriſoning the diſciples of the Lord. "And he was three days without fight, and neither did eat nor drink." But who can tell what horrors of conſcience, what convulſion of ſoul, what deep and pungent convictions of ſin he underwent during theſe three long days? It was this took away his appetite (for who can eat or drink when under a ſenſe of the wrath of God for ſin?) and, being to be greatly employed hereafter, he muſt be greatly humbled now; therefore the Lord leaves him three days groaning under the ſpirit of bondage, and buffetted, no doubt, with the fiery darts of the devil, that, being tempted like unto his brethren, he might be able hereafter, to ſuccour thoſe that were tempted. Had Saul applied to any of the blind guides of the Jewiſh church under theſe circumſtances, they would have ſaid, he was mad, or going beſide himſelf; as many carnal teachers and blind Phariſees now deal with, and ſo more and more diſtreſs poor ſouls labouring under awakening convictions of their damnable ſtate. But God often at our firſt awakenings, viſits us wi…h ſore trials, eſpecially thoſe who are, like Saul, to ſhine in the church, and to be uſed as inſtruments in bringing many ſons to glory: th…ſe who are to be highly exalted, muſt firſt be deeply humbled; and this I …peak for the comfort of ſuch, who may be now groaning under the ſpirit of bondage, and perhaps, like Saul, can neither eat nor drink… for I have generally obſerved, that thoſe who have had the deepeſt convictions, have afterwards been favoured with the moſt precious communications, and enjoyed moſt of the divine preſence in their ſouls. This was afterwards remarkably exemplified in Saul, who was three days without …ight, and neither did eat nor drink.
But will the Lord leave his poor ſervant in this diſtreſs? No: his Jeſus (though Saul perſecuted him) promiſed (and he will perform) that it "ſhould be told him what he muſt do. And there was a certain diſciple at Damaſcus, named Ananias, and unto him, ſaid the Lord in a viſion, Ananias; and he ſaid, Behold, I am here, Lord." What a holy familiarity is there between Jeſus Chriſt and regenerate ſouls! Ananias had been uſed to ſuch love-viſits, and therefore knew the voice of his beloved. The Lord ſays, Ananias; Ananias ſays, "Behold, I am here, Lord." Thus it is that Chriſt now, as well as formerly, often talks with his children at ſundry times, and after divers manners, as a man talketh with his friend. But what has the Lord to ſay to Ananias?
Verſe 11. "And the Lord ſaid unto him, ariſe, and go into the ſtreet, which is called Streight, and inquire in the houſe of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarſus;" (ſee here for your comfort, O children of the moſt high God, what notice Jeſus Chriſt takes of the ſtreet, and the houſe where his own dear ſervants lodge) "for behold, he prayeth;" but why is this uſhered in with the word behold▪ What, was it ſuch a wonder to hear that Saul was praying? Why, Saul was a Phariſee▪ and therefore, no doubt, faſted and made long prayers and, ſince we are told that he profited above many of his equals, I doubt not but he was taken notice of for his gift in prayer; and yet it ſeems, that before theſe three days, Saul never prayed in his life; and why? Becauſe, before theſe three days, he never felt himſelf a condemned creature: he was alive in his own opinion, becauſe without a knowledge of the ſpiritual meaning of the law; he felt not a want of, and therefore, before now, cried not after a Jeſus, and conſequently, though he might have ſaid, or made a prayer, as many Phariſees do now-a-days, he never prayed a prayer; but now, behold! he prayed indeed; and this was urged as one reaſon why he was converted. None of God's children, as one obſerves, comes into the world ſtill-born; prayer is the very breath of the new creature: and therefore, if we are prayerleſs, we are Chriſt-leſs; if we never had the ſpirit of ſupplication, it is a ſad ſign that we never had the ſpirit of grace in our ſouls: and you may be aſſured you never did pray, unleſs you have felt yourſelves ſinners, and ſeen the want of Jeſus to be your Saviour. May the Lord, whom I ſerve in the goſpel of his dear Son, prick you all to the heart, and may it be ſaid of you all as it was of Saul, Behold, they pray!
The Lord goes on to encourage Ananias to go to Saul: ſays he, verſe 12. "For he hath ſeen in a viſion a man named Ananias, coming i…, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his ſight." So that though Chriſt converted Saul immediately by himſelf, yet he will carry on the work, thus begun, by a miniſter. Happy they, who under ſoul troubles have ſuch experienced guides, and as well acquainted with Jeſus Chriſt as Ananias was: you that have ſuch, make much of and be thankful for them; and you who have them not, truſt in God; he will carry on his own work without them.
Doubtleſs, Ananias was a good man; but ſhall I commend him for his anſwer to our Lord? I commend him not: for ſays he, verſe 13, "Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy ſaints at Jeruſalem: and here he hath authority from the chief prieſts to bind all that call upon thy name." I fear this anſwer proceeded from ſome relics of ſelf-righteouſneſs, as well as infidelity, that lay undiſcovered in the heart of Ananias. "Ariſe (ſaid our Lord) and go into the ſtreet, which is called Streight, and inquire in the houſe of Judas, for one called Saul of Tarſus; for behold he prayeth!" One would think this was ſufficient to ſatisfy him: but ſays Ananias, "Lord I have heard by many of this man" (he ſeems to ſpeak of him with much contempt; for even good men are apt to think too contemptuouſly of thoſe who are yet in their ſins) "how much evil he hath done to thy ſaints in Jeruſalem: and here, he hath authority from the chief prieſts, to bind all that call upon thy name." And what then, Ananias? Is any thing too hard for the Lord? Who made thee to differ? Could not he who converted thee, convert him alſo! Surely Ananias here forgets himſelf, or perhaps fears, left this man, who had authority from the chief prieſts to bind all that call upon Chriſt's name, ſhould bind him alſo, if he went unto him; but the Lord ſilences all objections, with a "Go …hy way, for he is a choſen veſſel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Iſrael. For I will ſhew him how great things he muſt ſuffer for my name's ſake." Here God ſtops his mouth immediately, by aſſerting his ſovereignty, and preaching to him the doctrine of election. And the frequent converſion of notorious ſinners to God, to me is one great proof, among a thouſand others, of that precious, but too much exploded, and ſadly miſrepreſented doctrine of God's electing love; for whence is it that ſuch are taken, while thouſands not near ſo vile, die ſenſeleſs and ſtupid? All the anſwer that can be given, is, "They are choſen veſſels, Go thy way (lays God) for he is a choſen veſſel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Iſrael: for I will ſhew him how great things he muſt ſuffer for my name's ſake." Obſerve what a cloſe connection there is between doing and ſuffering for Chriſt. If any of my brethren in the miniſtry are preſent, let them hear what preferment we muſt expect, if we are called out to work remarkably for God: not great prebendaries or biſhoprics, but great ſufferings for our Lord's name ſake; theſe are the fruits of our labour; and he that will not contentedly ſuffer great things for preaching Chriſt, is not worthy of him. Suffering will be found to be the beſt preferment, when we are called to give an account of our miniſtry at the great day.
I do not hear that Ananias quarrelled with God concerning the doctrine of election: no; O that all good men would, in this, learn of him! "He went his way, and entered into the houſe; and put his hands on him, and ſaid, Brother Saul;" juſt now it was this man; now it is Brother Saul: It is no matter what a man has been, if he be now a Chriſtian; the ſame ſhould be our brother, our ſiſter, and mother: God blots out every convert's tranſgreſſions as with a thick cloud, and ſo ſhould we; the more vile a man has been, the more ſhould we love him when believing in Chriſt, becauſe Chriſt will be more glorified on his behalf. I doubt not, but Ananias was wonderfully delighted to hear that ſo remarkable a perſecutor was brought home to God! I am perſuaded he felt his ſoul immediately united to him by love, and therefore addreſſes him not with, "Thou perſecutor, Thou murderer, that cameſt to butcher me and my friends; but, brother Saul." It is remarkable that the primitive Chriſtians much uſed the word brother and brethren; I know it is a term now much in reproach; but thoſe who deſpiſe it, I believe would be glad to be of our brotherhood, when they ſee us ſitting at the right hand of the Majeſty on high. "Brother Saul, the Lord (even Jeſus that appeared unto thee in the way as thou cameſt) hath ſent me, that thou mighteſt receive thy ſight, and be filled with the Holy Ghoſt." At this time, we may ſuppoſe, he laid his hands upon him. See the conſequences.
Ver. 18. "Immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been ſcales, and he received ſight forthwith;" not only bodily, but ſpiritual ſight; he emerged as it were into a new world; he ſaw, and felt too, things unutterable: he felt a union of ſoul with God; he received the ſpirit of adoption; he could now, with a full aſſurance of faith, cry, Abba, Father. Now was he filled with the Holy Ghoſt; and had the love of God ſhed abroad in his heart; now were the days of his mourning ended; now was Chriſt formed in his ſoul; now he could give men and devils the challenge, knowing that Chriſt had juſtified him; now he ſaw the excellences of Chriſt, and eſteemed him the faireſt among ten thouſand.—You only know how to ſympathize with the apoſtle in his joy, who, after a long night of bondage, have been ſet free by the Spirit, and have received joy in the Holy Ghoſt. May all that are now mourning, as Saul was, be comforted in like manner!
The ſcales then are now removed from the eyes of Saul's mind; Ananias has done that for him, under God: he muſt now do another office—baptize him, and ſo receive him into the viſible church of Chriſt; a good proof to me of the neceſſity of baptiſm where it may be had: for I find here, as well as elſewhere, that baptiſm is adminiſtered even to thoſe who had received the Holy Ghoſt; Saul was convinced of this, and therefore aroſe and was baptized; and now it is time for him to recruit the outward man, which, by three days abſtinence and ſpiritual conflicts, had been much impaired: we are therefore told (verſe 19) "when he had received meat, he was ſtrengthened."
But O, with what comfort did the apoſtle now eat his food! I am ſure it was with ſingleneſs, I am perſuaded alſo with gladneſs of heart; and why? He knew that he was reconciled to God; and, for my own part, did I not know how blind and flinty our hearts are by nature, I ſhould wonder how any one could eat even his common food with any ſatisfaction, who has not ſome well-grounded hope of his being reconciled to God. Our Lord intimates thus much to us: for in his glorious prayer, after he has taught us to pray for our daily bread, immediately adds that petition, "forgive us our treſpaſſes;" as though our daily bread would do us no ſervice, unleſs we were ſenſible of having the forgiveneſs of our ſins.
To proceed: Saul hath received meat, and is ſtrengthened; and whither will he go now? To ſee the brethren; "then was Saul certain days with the diſciples that were at Damaſcus." If we know and love Chriſt, we ſhall alſo love, and deſire to be acquainted with the brethren of Chriſt: We may generally know a man by his company. And though all are not ſaints that aſſociate with ſaints (for tares will be always ſpringing up among the wheat till the time of harveſt) yet, if we never keep company, but are ſhy and aſhamed of the deſpiſed children of God, it is a certain ſign we have not yet experimentally learnt Jeſus, or received him into our hearts. My dear friends, be not deceived; if we are friends to the Bridegroom, we ſhall be friends to the children of the Bridegroom. Saul, as ſoon as he was filled with the Holy Ghoſt, "was certain days with the diſciples that were at Damaſcus."
But who can tell what joy theſe diſciples felt when Saul came among them! I ſuppoſe holy Ananias introduced him. Methinks I ſee the once perſecuting zealot, when they came to ſalute him with a holy kiſs, throwing himſelf upon each of their necks, weeping over them with floods of tears, and ſaying, "O my brother, O my ſiſter, Can you forgive me? Can you give ſuch a wretch as I the right hand of fellowſhip, who intended to drag you behind me bound unto Jeruſalem!"—Thus, I ſay, we may ſuppoſe Saul addreſſed himſelf to his fellow-diſciples; and I doubt not but they were as ready to forgive and …orget as Ananias was, and ſaluted him with the endearing title of brother Saul. Lovely was this meeting; ſo lovely, that it ſeemed Saul continued certain days with them, to communicate experiences, and to learn the way of God more perfectly, to pray for a bleſſing on his future miniſtry, and to praiſe Chriſt Jeſus for what he had done for their ſouls. Saul, perhaps, had ſat certain years at the feet of Gamaliel, but undoubtedly learnt more theſe certain days, than he had learnt before in all his life. It pleaſes me to think how this great ſcholar is transformed by the renewing of his mind: what a mighty change was here! That ſo great a man as Saul was, both as to his ſtation in life, and internal qualifications, and ſuch a bitter enemy to the Chriſtians; for him, I ſay, to go and be certain days with the people of this mad way, and to ſit quietly, and be taught of illiterate men, as many of theſe diſciples we may be ſure were, what a ſubſtantial proof was this of the reality of his converſion!
What a hurry and confuſion may we ſuppoſe the chief prieſts now were in! I warrant they were ready to cry out, what! is he alſo deceived? As for the common people, who know not the law and are accurſed, for them to be carried away is no ſuch wonder; but for a man bred up at the feet of Gamaliel, for ſuch a ſcholar, ſuch an enemy to the cauſe as Saul; for him to be led away with a company of ſilly, deceived men and women, ſurely it is impoſſible: We cannot believe it. But Saul ſoon convinces them of the reality of his becoming a fool for Chriſt's ſake: For ſtraightway, inſtead of going to deliver the letters from the high prieſts, as they expected, in order to bring the diſciples that were at Damaſcus bound to Jeruſalem, "he preached Chriſt in the ſynagogues, that he is the Son of God." This was another proof of his being converted. He not only converſed with Chriſtians in private, but he preached Chriſt publicly in the ſynagogues: Eſpecially, he inſiſted on the divinity of our Lord, proving, notwithſtanding his ſtate of humiliation, that he was really the Son of God.
But why did Saul preach Chriſt thus? Becauſe he had felt the power of Chriſt upon his own ſoul. And here is the reaſon why Chriſt is ſo ſeldom preached, and his divinity ſo ſlightly inſiſted on in our ſynagogues, becauſe the generality of thoſe that pretend to preach him, never felt a ſaving work of converſion upon their own ſouls. How can they preach, unleſs they are firſt taught of, and then ſent by God? Saul did not preach Chriſt before he knew him; no more ſhould any one elſe. An unconverted miniſter, though he could ſpeak with the tongues of men and angels, will be but as a ſounding braſs and tinkling cymbal to thoſe whoſe ſenſes are exerciſed to diſcern ſpiritual things. Miniſters that are unconverted, may talk and declaim of Chriſt, and prove from books that he is the Son of God; but they cannot preach with the demonſtration of the Spirit and with power, unleſs they preach from experience, and have had a proof of his divinity, by a work of grace wrought upon their own ſouls. God forgive thoſe who lay hands on an unconverted man, knowing that he is ſuch▪ I would not do it for a thouſand worlds. Lord Jeſus, keep thy own faithful ſervants pure, and let them not be then partakers of other men's ſins!
Such an inſtance as was Saul's converſion, we may be aſſured, muſt make a great deal of noiſe; and, therefore, no wonder we are told, ver. 21. "But all that heard him were amazed, and ſaid, Is not this he that deſtroyed them who called on this name in Jeruſalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief prieſts?"
Thus it will be with all that appear publicly for Jeſus Chriſt; and it is as impoſſible for a true Chriſtian to be hid, as a city built upon a hill.—Brethren, if you are faithful to, you muſt be reproached and have remarks made on you for Chriſt; eſpecially if you have been remarkably wicked before your converſion. Your friends ſay, is not this he, or ſhe, who a little while age would run to as great exceſs of riot and vanity as the worſt of us all? What has turned your brain? Or if you have been cloſe, falſe, formal hypocrites, as Saul was, they will wonder that you ſhould be ſo deceived, as to think you were not in a ſafe ſtate before. No doubt, numbers were ſurpriſed to hear Saul, who was touching the law blameleſs, affirm that he was in a damnable condition (as in all probability he did) a few days before.
Brethren, you muſt expect to meet with many ſuch difficulties as theſe. The ſcourge of the tongue is generally the firſt croſs we are called to beat for the ſake of Chriſt. Let not, therefore, this move you: It did not intimidate, no, it rather encouraged Saul.
Says the text, "But Saul increaſed the more in ſtrength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt at Damaſcus, proving that this is very Chriſt." Oppoſition never yet did, nor ever will hurt a ſincere convert: Nothing like oppoſition to make the man of God perfect. None but a hireling, who careth not for the ſheep, will be affrighted at the approach or barking of wolves. Chriſt's miniſters are as bold as lions: It is not for ſuch men as they to flee.
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 ſteadfaſtneſs 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 St. 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 communication 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 …ear 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 ſtopped 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 threatnings 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 perſecuted 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 …ounted himſelf the chiefeſt ſinner of all, and therefore laboured more abundantly than all. Who is there among you fearing the Lord? Whoſe …rts hath the Lord now opened to hearken to the voice of his poor unworthy ſervant! Surely the Lord will not let me preach in vain. Who is the happy ſoul that is this day to be waſhed in the blood of the Lamb? Will no poor ſinner take encouragement from Saul to come to Jeſus Chriſt? You are all thronging round, but which of you will touch the Lord Jeſus? What a comfort will it be to Saul; and to your own ſouls, when you meet him in heaven, to tell him, that hearing of his, was a means, under God, of your converſion! Doubtleſs it was written for the encouragement of all poor returning ſinners; he himſelf tells us ſo: For "in me God ſhewed all long-ſuffering that I might be an example to them that ſhould hereafter believe." Was Saul here himſelf, he would tell you ſo, indeed he would; but being dead, by this account of his converſion, he yet ſpeaketh. O that God may ſpeak by it to your hearts! O that the arrows of God might this day ſtick faſt in your ſouls, and you made to cry out, "Who art thou Lord?" Are there any ſuch amongſt you? Methinks I feel ſomething of what this Saul felt, when he ſaid, "I travail in birth again for you till Chriſt be formed again in your hearts." … come, come away to Jeſus on whom Saul believed; and then I care not if the high prieſts iſſue out never ſo many writs, or injuriouſly drag me to a priſon. The thoughts of being inſtrumental in ſaving you, will make me ſing praiſes even at midnight: And I know you will be my joy and crown of rejoicing, when I am delivered from this earthly priſon, and meet you in the kingdom of God hereafter. Now to God, &c.