September 18

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest.

2 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 unto Jerusalem.

3 And as he purveyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?

5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.

6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Anse, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, beating a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord.

11 And the Lord said unto him, Anse, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth.

12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.

13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem:

14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that cell on thy name.

15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, 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.

18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales; and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.

19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus.

20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said: Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests?

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

The conversion of a sinner from the error of his way is one of the noblest works of God; and perhaps in the conversion of no individual have those attributes been more fully manifested than in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Notice:

1. The supernatural illumination he experienced. "A light from heaven," "A great light above the greatness of the sun" (Acts xxii. 6), shone around and upon him. It was the appearance of Christ himself (1 Cor. xv. 8). Now true conversion in every man commences something in the same way. Though not attended with any vision to the bodily senses, yet it must be "light from heaven"—a Divine illumination. 2. The prostration of soul he manifested. "Saul fell to the earth." And thus the Holy Ghost deals with sinners in their conversion. He not only enlightens, but humbles them. 3. The strong emotions he felt. "He trembled and was astonished." And to this state God brings every convinced sinner. As he thinks of the justice and holiness of God, he trembles. As he thinks of the long-suffering of God towards him, he is astonished. 4. The sincere prayer he offered. "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" This is the true feeling of a sincere convert. 5. The devotion he displayed. "He arose from the earth." So far he was passive, now he becomes active. Sin is given up in every true conversion, and communion with God becomes the convert's daily delight.

"When the word came to Anamas he at first hesitated because of the notorious character of Saul; but, yielding, he went his way, and entered the house of Judas. Little is recorded of the interview, but we can imagine the feelings of both. The first word of the disciple opens wide the door of Christian fellowship—'Brother Saul!' It was a new word and a new thought. There was no brotherhood in Pharisaism. Through the instrumentality of this divinely-appointed messenger the scales fell from the eyes of the praying penitent, and he was filled with the Holy Spirit."—R. R. Meredith, D. D.

Closet Promise.—As for thee, the Lord thy God hath not suffered thee so to do.—Deut. xviii. 14.

We give thanks often with a tearful, doubtful voice, for our spiritual mercies positive, but what an almost infinite field there is for mercies negative! We cannot even imagine all that God has suffered us not to do, not to be.—F. R. Havergal.