The sinners conversion. By Henry SmithThe sinners conuersion. By Henrie Smith

The second circumstance.

Now followeth the description of Zaccheus, which is most plainly and fully set forth unto us. The holy Ghost speaking of Zaccheus and his conversion, comes in with an Ecce, behold, as if it were a wonder that Zaccheus should be converted. Zaccheus was a Gentile, a Publican, and a rich man, and ⟨image 4⟩therefore behold a miracle, as if in the conversion of Zaccheus, these three should be converted all once.

Now followeth the description of Zaccheus, which is most plainlie and fully sette forth vnto vs. The holy Ghost speaking of Zaccheus and his conuersion, comes in with an Ecce, behold, as if it were a wonder that Zaccheus shold be conuerted. Zaccheus was a Gentile, a Publican, and a rich man, and ⟨image 4⟩therefore behold a miracle, as if in the conuersion of Zaccheus, these three should be conuerted al once.

Zaccheus was a Gentile, a marvel to see a Gentile become a Jew:¹ that is, to believe in Christ. He was a principal Publican. A strange thing to see a chief Customer to give over his office: and he was rich also, a rare matter to see a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God:² and therefore behold a miracle, as if at this day, the Turk: the Pope, and the King of Spain, were at once persuaded to forsake their Idolatry and superstition. Christ going to Jerusalem, converteth a Gentile, to signify the calling of the Gentiles: he converteth a Publican, to show that notorious sinners may hope to be saved, if they repent and amend, as Zaccheus did. He converteth a rich man, to show that all rich men are not excluded from the kingdom of heaven,