On Wednesday hope dawned in his heart; on Thursday it increased; on Friday and Saturday it grew and developed; and on Easter Day, 1778, he awoke with the words on his lips:—­

“Jesus Christ is risen to-day, Hallelujah!” and, better still, written once and for ever in his heart.

In his twentieth year he had experienced that deep conviction known as conversion.

Like every true convert, Simeon, having found the way himself, now endeavoured to help others to realise the same blessed hope.

His intimate friends were told of the new joy that had come to him:  he instructed the women who worked at the colleges, and when he went home induced his relatives to commence family prayers.

Though the light had dawned upon him he was nevertheless full of faults.  He dressed showily, went to races, spent his Sundays carelessly.

But gradually these habits were overcome, and he grew in holiness, becoming watchful of his conduct, praying more fervently, living nearer to Christ.

In 1782 Simeon was ordained deacon in Ely Cathedral, and shortly after became honorary curate to Mr. Atkinson, vicar of St. Edward’s Church, near King’s College.  He was already a marked man on account of his earnest life.  He visited the parishioners as Mr. Atkinson’s substitute, and was soon received with pleasure by them.

The church became so full that the people could hardly find room.  It is related that even the clerk’s desk was invaded, and that when Mr. Atkinson returned after a holiday the clerk met him with the following strange welcome:—­

“Oh, sir, I am so glad you are come:  Now we shall have some room!”

On the very first Sunday he took duty he showed the metal of which he was made; for, in going home after service, he heard voices high in dispute in one of the houses he passed.  Straightway he went in, reproved the couple who were at strife, and knelt down to pray.  Peace was restored, and Simeon’s character for earnestness was confirmed.

Now came an eventful period in this good man’s life.  The minister of Trinity Church, Cambridge, having died, Simeon was appointed by the bishop.

The parishioners, however, desired to have as minister the curate; and, as it was impossible to gratify their wish, they made matters as unpleasant as possible for Simeon.

The pew doors were nearly all kept locked, so that the space left for the congregation was much reduced.

On the first Sunday there was practically no congregation; but later on people could not resist his influence, and the church began to fill.  To provide places for those who came, Simeon had seats placed in various parts of the building.  The churchwardens, however, threw them out into the church-yard!

It was an uncomfortable beginning; but Simeon persevered.  He began a course of Sunday evening lectures, to which the people flocked in crowds; but the churchwardens locked the church doors and carried off the keys.