Part 20 (2/2)

In his twentieth year he had experienced that deep conviction known as conversion

Like every true convert, Si found the way himself, now endeavoured to help others to realise the same blessed hope

His intimate friends were told of the new joy that had coes, and when he went home induced his relatives to coht had dawned upon him he was nevertheless full of faults He dressed showily, went to races, spent his Sundays carelessly

But gradually these habits were overco watchful of his conduct, prayingnearer to Christ

In 1782 Simeon was ordained deacon in Ely Cathedral, and shortly after became honorary curate to Mr Atkinson, vicar of St Edward's Church, near King's College He was already a marked man on account of his earnest life He visited the parishi+oners as Mr Atkinson's substitute, and was soon received with pleasure by them

The church became so full that the people could hardly find room It is related that even the clerk's desk was invaded, and that when Mr

Atkinson returned after a holiday the clerk e welcolad you are come: Noe shall have some room!”

On the very first Sunday he took duty he showed thehoh in dispute in one of the houses he passed Straightway he went in, reproved the couple ere at strife, and knelt down to pray Peace was restored, and Simeon's character for earnestness was confirooddied, Simeon was appointed by the bishop

The parishi+oners, however, desired to have as ratify their wish, they made matters as unpleasant as possible for Simeon

The pew doors were nearly all kept locked, so that the space left for the congregation was much reduced

On the first Sunday there was practically no congregation; but later on people could not resist his influence, and the church began to fill To provide places for those who ca The churchwardens, however, threw theinning; but Si lectures, to which the people flocked in crowds; but the churchwardens locked the church doors and carried off the keys

Besides beings rude and unal; but Simeon put up with the affront for the sake of peace

When necessary he could be fir men threw stones at the church s and broke theed him to read a public confession of his fault

The church was crowded The young man read the paper which Simeon had prepared for him, but did so in a voice low and partially inaudible

Then Siy in such tones that none could fail to hear

The young ation listened to the sermon that folloith more than usual attention

He was of allhonestly and openly when he considered by so doing he could be of service Thus a friend once asked hi preached a showy sermon hich he hi?”

”Why, my dear brother,” said Simeon, ”I am sure you will pardon me; you know it is all love,on a war-pan--tin, tin, tin, tin, without any interraduates laid an a to assault hiht another way

Not only had he to put up with active but also with much passive opposition But he went on in faith and charity, till his enemies became his friends--his friends, his ardent and reverent admirers

We must pass over without further coood works at home, and ardently interested in missions abroad