Luke 15:10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents. A pious Armenian calling on Mr. Hamlyn, a missionary at Constantinople, remarked, that he was astonished to see how the people were waking up to the truth; how even the most cultivated were seeking after it as for hidden treasure. "Yes," said he, "it is going forward; it will triumph; but, alas! I shall not live to see it, alas! that I am born an age too soon." "But," said Mr. Hamlyn, "do you remember what our Saviour said, 'There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth'? You may not live to see the truth triumphant in this empire; but should you, by Divine grace, reach the kingdom of heaven, and be with the angels, your joy over your whole nation, repentant and redeemed, will be infinitely greater than it could be on earth." He seemed astonished at this thought; but after examining the various passages to which I referred him, he yielded to the evidence with the most lively expressions of delight. "O fool, and slow of heart," said he, "to read the gospel so many times without perceiving such a glorious truth! If this be so, no matter in what age a Christian is born, nor when he dies." Parallel Verses KJV: Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.WEB: Even so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner repenting." |
    |