Luke 15:11-32 And he said, A certain man had two sons:… A preacher one day wound up his sermon by saying that there was not a man in London so far gone but he could be saved. Next morning a young lady — a tract distributor — requested an interview, and repeated his words. "Do you mean it?" "I do." "Well, there is a man down in the East End of London who says there is no hope for him. I wish you would go and see him." He went down into one of those dark alleys till he came to a miserable-looking building. And up in the fifth storey he found the young man, mangled and bruised by the effects of sin. The minister talked to him and told him of the sinner's Friend, and prayed with him until at last light began to break into his soul, and he was able to say, "I could die happy if I could hear my father say, 'I forgive you.' He lives in the West End of London, but he has had my name taken out of the family records. He treats me as if I were dead." "I will go and see him," said the minister. He found his abode — a beautiful mansion — rang the bell, and was answered by a servant in livery. He inquired if his master was in, and presently the man came down. "I believe you have a son called Joseph?" "No," he said, " I have no boy of that name. I had, but I have disinherited him. There is nothing good about him." "But," said the minister, "he is your boy, nevertheless." "Is my Joseph sick?" "Yes, he is at the point of death. I ask you if you will forgive him. If you will, he can die in peace. Tell me that you forgive him, and I will take the message to him." "No, no; if my boy is sick, I will go and see him." And so the carriage was taken out, and they went to the dark alley in the East End. The father hardly recognized him. The boy said, "Father, can you forgive me?" "Oh, Joseph, I would have forgiven you long ago, if I had known you wanted me to. Let my servants take you and put you in the carriage." "No, father, I am not well enough to be moved. I shall not live much longer, but I can die happy now." And soon he passed away to meet his Lord and Saviour. Parallel Verses KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons: |
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