III. There is nothing so pleasing to him as the re- covery of one from his lost state —
The woman is represented as inviting all her neigh- bours to rejoice with her —
[The cause of her joy seems very inadequate to such expressions of it : but women, being conversant mainly with domestic matters, are apt to be affected with small things. Her whole property also being small, she may be supposed to feel the more at the recovery of that part which had been in danger ; and the circumstance of its having been lost would render the subsequent possession of it more pleasant.]
Thus our Lord and all the angels in heaven rejoice over a repenting sinner —
[This is the main scope of this parable, as well as of that which precedes, and that which follows it ; hence it is strongly marked in every one of the parables : we must not therefore omit it, or think the repetition of it tedious. Our Lord well knew the misery of a soul that perishes in sin : the angels too are doubtless well informed on this subject. Were it never to be sensible of its loss, there would be the less reason to regret it : but, if not put among the treasures of God, it must be for ever miserable. To prevent this is the joy and delight of our blessed Saviour. For this he came down from heaven, assumed our nature, and died upon the cross : for this he is dispensing to us continually his word and Spirit. The effecting of this is the consummation of all his wishes and purposes : hence, how- ever inadequate a cause of joy this may seem, he accounts it his highest honour and happiness. He is " satisfied with the travail of his soul," when one that was lost is found ; and all the angels that surround his throne rejoice together with him. As all hell is moved with triumph at the condemnation of one sinner k, so does all heaven exult in the elevation of one to happiness and glory.]
Infer —
1 . How strange is it that men should have so little
regard to their own souls !
[The generality of men are as careless of their souls as if they were of no value. But should we disregard that which the Son of God seeks with so much anxiety ? Should we be so indifferent about our own happiness, when all the angels of heaven would shout for joy at the prospect of it ? Let us never be satisfied with being immersed in darkness and wicked- ness Let us rather be ambitious to have a place
k Tsai. xiv. 9, 10.