GOD often magnifies His grace in our eyes by bringing unto Himself some person notorious in his opposition to the truth. It was so at the beginning in the case of Saul, the persecutor of the saints. To him did the Lord make known His mercy and His grace. For by grace was Saul of Tarsus saved, and so all besides: only he was a foremost leader in rebellion against the gospel.
An instance is recorded of a striking conversion occurring among the open enemies of Christ. It took place in a dark part of Ireland, where the truth was making its way, and some were being brought from darkness to light.
A preacher of the gospel was expected from a distance, and some Romanists who heard of his coming resolved to destroy the house where the meeting was held.
Accordingly, having carefully watched the man's movements this party secretly followed him one Lord's day morning determined to make short work of this "new sect.”
They besieged the house, and sent in the ringleader to watch the movements, and to give the signal for their entrance at a proper time; but to the great surprise of the gang outside, Pat did not reappear as soon as they expected, and they decamped with all speed as soon as they heard what follows.
The fact was Pat waited while the hymn was given out and sung.
“This is very purity," said he; "I'll not disturb them yet.”
Prayer was then offered up.
“I'll let them alone until they have done with their prayers," said Pat to himself.
The meeting continued, and Pat said again to himself, "I'll hear what they have to say for themselves at any rate.”
At length, the preacher thus accosted the rough stranger: "My good man, did you ever know yourself a sinner before God, and that you deserved to be excluded from His presence forever?”
Pat wept exceedingly, and cried out, "Lord, have mercy upon me! What shall I do? I'm a wicked sinner.”
The whole meeting joined in earnest prayer for him, and very soon Pat was "sitting at the feet of Jesus, quiet, and in his right mind.”
How great are the wonders grace can do, even for the most violent of sinners!