Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1880-06-03
&eadiua fpr the Sabbath,
CONDUCTED By
REV. ROBERT LATHAM.
(Orlginal.l
CONVERSION.

CONVERSION.
In theological works, the word conversion
is of frequent occurrence; but so far as we
know, it is found but once in the Bible. The
words convert, converted, and converteth, are
frequently used. According to its formation,
the word conversion denotes the act of con-
verting. Consequently, the import of CONVEX
sion is fixed by that of convert. In other
words, if we know what convert means, we
know what conversion means. The English
word convert is derived from the Latin word
conuerto, which is compounded Of the preposi-
tion CON, meaning "with'' or "together With,' -
and the verb rerto, meaning to turn or change.
The primitive meaning Of the word concerto
seems to have been to turn back or whirl round.
If this be true, and we think it is, the proper
meaning of the word conversion is the act of
turning back or turning round. Any change
may, with propriety, be called conversion.
When an individual sells his land, he is said to
convert it into money; when the form of a
mathematical proposition is changed, a CONVEX
sion has taken place; when a general changes
the front of his army, it is denominated con-
version. He who, in politics, was formerly a
Federalist, but is now an anti-Federalist, has
been converted, and the act Of changing is
called conversion.
In theology, conversion is sometimes used to
denote that change which is effected by the
Holy Spirit upon the soul, and also the change
which takes place in the conduct of the indi-
vidual upon whom the Holy Spirit operates.
In fact, many of the old seventeenth century
divines did not distinguish between regenera-
ton, repentance and conversion. What mod
ern divines call regeneration and conversion,
were both included in repentance. They did
not ignore regeneration and conversion, but
they regarded repentance as a more cOmpre-
hensive word than it is regarded at present.
It is, we think, not difficult to perceive the
difference between regeneration, conversion
and repentance but it is not an easy thing to
define, accurately, any one of them or state
clearly the difference between them.
Regeneration, which, in the order of nature
if not in point of time, is first called in the
Scriptures, "being born from above" and
''being born of the spirit" The translation of
the word "born," in both these quotations, is
perhaps at fault. Most probably it should be
rendered "begotten." If this Oe correct, then
regeneration is "being begotten from above,''
that is, from heaven or Ivy God; or, as it is
elsewhere expressed, "being begotten of the
Spirit" Regeneration is, therefore, change
produced on mans soul by the Holy Spirit.
With propriety it may be called spiritual
change. The soul dead in trespasses and sins
is quickened into life.
1t matters not by what name the act be
10 Of
tence, as the creation of world out of moth
ing, or to sustain in being the universe. 1t is
change from death to life. Conversion is a
change but it is not such a change as is i'm
piled in regeneration. The latter refers to the
spiritual state or condition Of the soul, while
the former refers to the motions Of the soul.
So soon as the soul is regenerated, a change in
it's motions or tendencies take place. 1t turns
away from sin and turns to God.
Another difference which exists between re-
generation and conversion, is that in the form
er the soulis passive, or does nothing; while in
the latter it is active, or co-operates with God.
This is most evident from the language of the
Scriptures. We are said to be ''quackened," ="
when dead in trespasses and sins. In turning
from sin unto God, the soul is active and alive
unto good works
The difference between conversion and re-
pentance, is not easily stated. Both are a
turning from sin unto holiness; but the turn
ing in conversion seems to be limited to the
soul in it's first motions or tendencies, while in
repentance, both soul and body are included.
Repentance is step farther in the process of
which regeneration is the beginning. There
is no sorrow in regeneration. Neither is there
any in conversion; but repentance is always
accompanied with godly sorrow for sin. Re-
generation, conversion and repentance, what
ever may be their ir'agreemento or differences, are
inseparably connected; consequently, we need
not trouble ourselves very much about their
differences Whoever is regenerated by God s
Holy Spirit, is a converted man, and either has
or will turn from his sins unto God, with the
full purpose of heart to keep his holy COM
mandments.
Frequently the word conversion is used to
denote that whole change which makes an in
dividual Christian. Thus it is often said
that an individual is converted man, when it
grace, been brought to embrace Jesus Christ,
freely offered to him in the gospel.
God is the author of conversion, as well as
of regeneration and repentance. Without be-
ing made spiritually alive, the soul can have
no spiritual motion. When no spiritual change
has taken place in the motions or tendencies
of the soul, no change can take place in the
acts which are prompted by the SOUL The ne
cessity Of regeneration and conversion, in Or
der to salvation, is apparent from their nature,
and is strongly insisted upon in the Scriptures
About conversion there are some things very
mysterious. No one knows when he was born
or when he became living soul. Neither
does any onesknow the precise moment when
his soul began to move toward God and holi-
ness.
BB5" Call men forsook me-" is Paul's own ac-
count of himself, ''but the Lord stood with
me, and strengthened me' Here is a golden
hint for the young who are put on their metal,
in refusing jibe at their conscientious scru-
Piles. The young man who can be laughed
into glass of wine or game Of cards, or a
ballroom may set himself down as a pitiable
coward, who can be pushed by a straw. If he
is more afraid of a companions sneer than of
Gods frown, he is doomed.
bsr Men may learn from example how mista-
ken is the idea that the possession of power
leads to independence, or enables them to pur
sue their own will. If there is any station in
life in which we can do as we please, it will be
found much nearer the extreme OF the heggar