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I. THE HAPPY MEETING.

II. THE HEARTY RECEPTION.

III. THE DISTINGUISHED BANQUET.

IV. THE COLD-HEARTED ENVY OF THE ELDER BROTHER. Lessons:

1. How generous and pure is the benevolence of the gospel. It is of God, and from Him, and resembles His tender and infinite love.

2. How hateful is an envious self-righteous spirit. It is the sprit of the evil one, and therefore from beneath.

3. Happy they who have repented of sin, and who have been received into the Saviour's family of love.

(J. Burns, D. D.)

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KJV: And he said, A certain man had two sons:

WEB: He said, "A certain man had two sons.