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1 Cor. xv. 8. Last of all he was seen of me, also, as of one born
out of due time. For I am the least of the Apostles, that am not
meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of
God.
You heard in this text (part of the epistle for this day) St. Paul's
opinion of himself. You heard, also, in the Second Lesson for this
day, the ninth chapter of Acts, the extraordinary story of his
conversion.
And what may we learn from that story? We may learn many lessons;
lessons without number.
We may learn, first; not to be astonished, if we have to change our
opinions as we grow older. When we are young, we are very positive
about this thing and that, as St. Paul was; violent in favour of our
own opinions; ready to quarrel with any one who differs from us, as
St. Paul was. But let ten years, twenty years, roll over our heads,
and we may find our opinions utterly changed, as St. Paul did, and
look back with astonishment on ourselves, for having been foolish
enough to believe what we did, as St. Paul looked back; and with
shame, as did St. Paul likewise, at having said so many violent and
unjust things against people, who, we now see, were in the right
after all.
Next; we may learn not to be ashamed of changing our minds: but if
we find ourselves in the wrong, to confess it boldly and honestly,
as St.
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