Vol. 2

580 ST. LUKE.love of God's word, according to that of the royalprophet, " Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, anda light unto my path;" and by propagating theknowledge of the mysteries of religion, and of theduties of Christianity. The second is, to purge thechurch from the pernicious maxims of corrupt morality,and from public disorders. The third is, togive to particular churches enlightened and zealouspastors, and such as may labour with an indefatigablecare in the conversion and sanctification of souls."9. And when she hath found it, she calleth herfriends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoicewith me ; for I have found the piece which I hadlost."The piece of silver had not been found, if it hadnot been sought. The sheep had never returnedto the fold, if it had not been brought back. Howthen should the sinner ever surrender himself intothe hands of God—how should the heretic ever returnto the church, unless God himself vouchsafe toseek him, unless a good pastor take the pains to carrythis sheep, which had strength enough to go astray,but cannot take one step towards a return ! It isthy grace, O Jesus, which gives this occasion of joyto thy church ; it is also to thy glory that she ultimatelyrefers it all !" 10. Likewise, I say unto you. There is joy inthe presence of the angels of God over one sinnerthat repenteth."The conversion of sinners is the joy of angels aswell as of men. The more a man is a friend of God,the more sensible is he of every thing which relatesto his interests. He who is unconcerned about them,