The Lost and Found Chapter.
“READ the ‘lost and found chapter’ to me if you please,” was the request made by an invalid with whom I loved to read and pray and offer my few weak words of consolation. “What do you mean by the ‘lost and found chapter?’ said I; “please tell me and I will read it to you, James.” “Oh, I mean the chapter about the lost sheep, the lost piece of silver, and the lost son—the fifteenth chapter of St. Luke’s gospel. See if I am not right in calling it the ‘lost and found’ chapter.” So with fresh interest I opened the holy volume, turned to the chapter, and began to read the wonderful parables of Him against whom the Scribes and Pharisees had been murmuring because, as they said, “This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them.” I felt, as I read, that I was among the friends and neighbors who rejoiced with the man who had found the sheep which was lost, and then with the woman who had been seeking diligently for the missing piece of silver, and my tears fell fast upon the sacred page as I mourned for the lost son, and went with the father who saw him a great way off, and rejoiced with him to meet the returning prodigal. “Thank you, James,” said I, as I closed the blessed book. “I think I never before read those wonderful stories with half the interest. I shall always remember where to look for the ‘lost and found’ chapter.” “Well,” said my suffering friend, “I am sure I am very glad; for to me it is a most blessed and encouraging chapter. No doubt you have often noticed in the newspapers whole columns headed, ‘Lost and found.’ Some one has lost a valuable watch, or article of jewelry, or a pocket-book containing money and papers; some a pet dog or bird; and sometimes even a lost child, or a missing friend is advertised; and their return is watched and waited for, often hopelessly, for a long time. And then again, among the notices, ‘Found,’ we feel glad with the owners. This chapter is just like it. ‘Lost and found’ follow each other all the way through; and how thankful we ought to feel that ‘there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.’” “Yes, James, you have given me some new ideas,” I answered. “Each and all of us were among the lost sheep; and Jesus Christ himself has left his home of glory and blessedness to come to earth to seek and save us all. His offers are to all; and yet how many will not come to him that they may be saved. It is marvelous to think so many will persist, like the lost son, in taking all the good and perfect gifts which the Heavenly Father sends to them, and waste these blessings in sinful and selfish indulgence, until at last body and soul are among the lost—lost forever and ever. All have erred and strayed like lost sheep; and we must pray that all may be brought back into the way of holiness, and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd.”—Am. Messenger.