this fold: them also I must bring, and
they shall hear my voice; and they shall become one flock, one
shepherd. Therefore doth the Father love me, because I lay down my
life, that I may take it again. No one taketh it away from me, but I
lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power
to take it again. This commandment received I from my Father."

After these and other sayings, the Jews being angry with him, sought
again to take him, but he escaped from them.

And he went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John was at
the first baptizing; and there he abode. And many came unto him; and
they said, "John indeed did no sign: but all things whatsoever John
spoke of this man were true." And many believed on him there.

{202}

X

STORIES OF THE DIVINE FORGIVENESS

_How the Lord Jesus Spoke of the Love of God for Poor Sinners_.

Now all the publicans and sinners were drawing near unto him to hear
him. And both the Pharisees and the scribes murmured, saying, "This
man receiveth sinners? and eateth with them."

And he told them--

_The Story of the Lost Sheep_.

He said, "What man of you, having a hundred sheep, and having lost one
of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go
after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it,
he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he
calleth together his friends and his neighbors, saying unto them,
'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost.' I say
unto you, that even so there shall be joy in heaven over one sinner
that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine righteous persons,
which need no repentance."

_The Story of the Lost Money_.

"What woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth
not light a lamp, and sweep the house, and {203} seek diligently until
she find it? And when she hath found it, she calleth together her
friends and neighbors, saying, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found the
piece which I had lost.' Even so, I say unto you, there is joy in the
presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."

_The Story of the Prodigal Son_.

"A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his
father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that falleth to me.' And
he divided unto them his property. And not many days after the younger
son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country;
and