Two sermons preached by Master Henry SmithTvvo sermons preached by Master Henry Smith

The second circumstance.

Now followeth the description of Zaccheus, which is most plainly & 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 therefore behold a miracle, as if in the conversion of Zaccheus, these three should be converted at once.

Now followeth the description of Zaccheus, which is most plainly & fully set foorth 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 should be conuerted: Zaccheus was a Gentile, a Publican, and a rich man, and therefore behold a myracle, as if in the conuersion of Zaccheus, these three should be conuerted at once.

Zaccheus was a Gentile; a marvel to see a Gentile become a Jew, that is, to believe in Christ. He was a ¹principal 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: and therefore behold a miracle, as if at this day the Turk, Pope, and the King of Spain, were at once ²persuaded 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.