properly considered, it is not confined to
speculation alone, but affects the whole current of one's
feelings and the tenor of his actions. As such a change carries
with it the appearance of sincerity, the term
convert is
usually taken in a good sense.
Proselyte is a term of more
ambiguous use and application. It was first applied to an
adherent of one religious system who had transferred himself
externally to some other religious system; and is also applied to
one who makes a similar transfer in respect to systems of
philosophy or speculation. The term has little or no reference to
the state of the heart.
Pervert is a term of recent
origin, designed to express the contrary of
convert, and
to stigmatize a person as drawn off perverted from the true
faith. It has been more particulary applied by members of the
Church of England to those who have joined the Roman Catholic
Church.
Con`ver*tend" (?), n. [L.
convertenus to be converted.] (Logic) Any
proposition which is subject to the process of conversion; -- so
called in its relation to itself as converted, after which
process it is termed the converse. See Converse,
n. (Logic).
Con*vert"er (?), n.
1. One who converts; one who makes
converts.
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