Alexander Stewart

What difference does the gospel make? This seems like a nonsense question, for the Bible is replete with “marks” and “fruits” of faith. However, growing up in the Bible Belt or walking with the Lord for many years, we forget. On occasion, we need to harken to Paul’s reminder of our former days when we were “without God and without hope in the world.” Besides our own present experience, memoirs such as this provide a helpful perspective for us.

Alexander Stewart was a young man who entered the ministry as an unconverted man. His theology was all light, but no heat. After his conversion, he describes his lost estate in the language of John 14: “Jesus said to Philip, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip?’” It was not until a meeting with a Reverend Black that things began to change. Black had a strong hunch of his condition, but he did not berate Stewart. Instead, he shared with him the confidence in which his sister passed. At that moment, Stewart realized that she had something he did not. He began asking Black for books, for critiques of sermons, and for advice for his soul. After a providential meeting with Charles Simeon, Stewart would be a changed man. No, he would be a converted man.

To repeat our question, what difference did the gospel make in his life? For one, he no longer courted relationships with the well-known and sophisticated. Rather, he longed for relationships with the poor and lowly so that he could share the gospel. With his own acquaintances, he shared the gospel repeatedly until they disdained him altogether. He laid down his literary pursuits and devoted more time to God’s Word and God’s people. His conversation grew simple; his ministerial friendships became broad. Moreover, his people noticed! Something was different in their pastor. He preached more of grace, less of works; more of Christ, less of self. Revival brought out in the small town of Moulin, and Stewart labored with incessant effort.

But of all things, one change particularly stood out for me. He began journaling in his latter years, after much success and moves. What is most striking is his perspective on his own sin. The more Stewart saw of Christ, the more he saw Christ’s work in his peers and of the need for Christ in his own life. This marked humility stands in great contrast from his youthful pride. In fact, it may be the most telling sign of his conversion.

If you are needing an encouraging read, to see what God can do with a converted soul, grab this short book. You can purchase it here.