1 Then drew near unto him all the Publicans and sinners for to hear him.
2 And the Pharisees and Sciibes muimured, saying, This man receiv- eth sinners, and eateth with them.
3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying,
4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it }
6 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6 And when he cometh home, he eaUetii together h is friends and neigh- boors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me ; for I have found my sheep which lo«t.
7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one suiner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find itf
9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying. Rejoice with me; for I have found me piece which I had lost.
10 Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
The chapter which begins with these verses is well known to Bible readers if any is in the Scriptures. Few chap- ters perhaps have done more good to the souls of men. Let us take heed that it does good to us.
We should first observe in these verses, the striking testimony which teas borne to our Lord by Sis enemies. We read that when " all the publicans and sinners drew near to hear Him, the Scribes and Pharisees murmured, say-
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ing. This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them."