An Experience of Grace: Three Notable Instances

p. 9WORDS OF INTEODUCTION

This booklet explains itself. It presents three men who had little in common, and were much unlike in many things. Saul of Tarsus was richly endowed with what nature can give, and represents the highest culture and school training of his times ; Edward Everett Hale, Jr., brought up in a New England home and having the best culture of this age, with all that can be had through school and home, represents civilization at its highest without grace; John Jasper scarcely stands for anything from which to hope good may come. A rude specimen of his race, he was as far removed from the other two men as imagination can place them — and even further.

And yet I have ventured to bring these three men together — Saul of Tarsus, Edward Everett Hale, Jr., and John Jasper! What a trio for contrast in the eyes of the world! What a trio, too, for comparison in the working of God's Spirit and in the saving power of the cross! They tell their own story, and need not one word from my pen. They speak the language of Zion, and will awaken the glad song in renewed souls.

p. 10The experience of grace — if it comes within the sphere of definition — is an experience of the human heart when wrought upon by the Spirit of God. As the Scriptures say concerning Lydia, "whose heart the Lord opened that she attended to the things which were spoken;" and "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us;" "the Spirit himself beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God ;" "thou hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh or whither it goeth;" and yet in his coming and going there remains this, viz., "We know we have passed from death unto life," and no knowledge is more certain, or more definite and powerful.

This is knowing God, and his Son, Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent into the world. This gives an "experiential character," with an "experiential" relation to the doctrines of grace. "Whereas I was blind, now I see." That is the final word for one's self, and is invincible. It is the word of conquest.

p. 10These three men knew whereof they spoke ; and they have something to tell. Their voice bears testimony to the grace of God; their song, in whatever language, is the song of p. 11AN EXPERIENCE OF GRACE. H redeeming love. "The blood of his Son Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin'' — this gives common standing ground with the saved, is a basic fact in the scheme of redemption, a mighty and sufficient factor in Christian experience.

I have set these three notable instances together, in the hope of inducing a fresh reading of the story of Saul of Tarsus, and a comparison of his conversion with the two of modern times — and theirs with his. Though so much unlike, there is yet wonderful likeness in their experience of grace as they came to know Christ as their personal Saviour, and in the forgiveness of sin. They all give him coronation in their hearts, and crown him King of kings and Lord of lords. They tell a remarkable story. I make way for them and let them speak for themselves. Their joyous testimony is the song which the redeemed are ever singing : "Unto Him that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God : to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen" — and Amen.

p. 12WHAT CHRIST SAID FOE HIMSELF

Ye believe in God, believe also in me. I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. He that hath seen me, hath seen the Father. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God. The Spirit of truth shall guide you into' all truth. He shall glorify me : for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.

And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto myself. I lay down my life. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. I am the resurrection and the life. Come unto me, all ye that labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.

Blessed art thou, Simon Bar-jona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. Thomas, because thou hast seen me thou hast believed; blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.

p. 12O Righteous Father, I will that they also whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am ; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world. This is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

p. 13His First Appearance in History.

And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multipHed in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake. And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came upon hiniy and caught him, and brought him to the council, and all that sat in the council, looking steadfastly on him, saw his face as it had been the face of an angel.