Conversion is the turning of the soul, from error to truth, from sin to holiness, from works to Jesus, and from Satan to God. Man has turned his back upon God; in conversion he turns his face to God. Man has closed his ear against God, when converted, he says, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." Man is in open rebellion against God; in conversion, he throws down his weapons, and submits to God. Man is the enemy of God; in conversion, he seeks to be reconciled to God.

Conversion changes a hardened sinner—into a childlike believer; who comes to Jesus to be taught, cries to the Lord for salvation, and meekly stoops to learn from the least of God's saints. In conversion, the proud intellect is humbled, the hard heart is melted, and the stubborn sinner is changed into another man. He hates what he formerly loved—and loves what he formerly hated. He views everything differently: the Bible is a new book; he sees the ways of God with new eyes; he wonders at himself and—at all around him.
He once could not tell what was meant by the new birth before—but he knows now. He once could see no beauty in Jesus before—but he is the "altogether lovely One" now. He could not enjoy prayer or praise before—but he can enjoy them now. "All things have become new." No book like the Bible now; no day like Sunday now; no place like the house of God; no people like the saints; no subject like the love of Christ; no service like the service of God; no pleasure like that which flows from fellowship with God.
James Smith, 1857