October 9

"Conversion." — Acts 15:3.

THIS word only occurs once in the Volume of Inspiration: the meaning of it is a change or turning from one object to another. Let us contemplate it.

IT IS A REAL CHANGE. The Bible represents it so; believers are said to be "partakers of the Divine nature;" to have the image of God impressed on the soul; to have the law of God engraven on the heart. It is a change from darkness to light, a translation from one kingdom to another.

IT IS A CHANGE OF PRINCIPLE. The principle of the natural man is according to the corrupt spirit and maxims of the world; but that of a godly man is in mision with the Divine oracles, and according to the dictates of an enlightened mind. The believer has a principle of faith; this is the immediate source of all spiritual motion: a principle of love; this is the charm that allures him, the motive that influences him.

IT IS A CHANGE OF COMFORT AND ENJOYMENT. Every nature has its peculiar delight belonging to it. In the day of conversion, the Spirit gives new principles to the heart, and communicates new comforts at the same time. Righteousness, peace, and joy, are the trinity which make the kingdom of God in the heart.

IT IS A CHANGE OF OPERATIONS. This is external. A holy life and conversation becoming the Gospel of Christ are the effects of some great cause; and that cause is a principle of spiritual life in the heart, which none but God can bestow. Let us beware of mistaking external reformation for internal renovation. "The one," says a beautiful writer, "is as when the serpent throws off his skin, and yet, in spite of his gay coat, still remains a venomous reptile; the other as when the caterpillar dies, and from its tomb arises a new creature, with beauteous wings, bathing in the light of the sun, and nursed in flowers." It is an awful thought, how many have passed from infancy to childhood, from childhood to youth, from youth to manhood, and from manhood to old age, and are yet in their sins! Changed years with unchanged hearts!