Luke 19:1-10 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.… The Rev. B. Sawday was about eighteen years since in the wellknown establishment of Messrs. Hitchcock, St. Paul's Churchyard. A silver watch was stolen from his bedroom, and no trace could be discovered of the missing property. Ten years passed away. About four years since he preached a startling discourse upon repentance and restitution. His words evidently made a deep impression upon the hearers. During the ensuing week a young man came up to Mr. Sawday requesting an interview. In a few words the young man said, "It was I who stole your watch, some years since, at Messrs. Hitchcock's. I am very sorry, and I am deeply, anxious to settle the matter. Here, I'll give you £10 to squash it. I was passing your chapel last Sunday, and saw your name; I thought I would go in and hear you, and your sermon broke me all to pieces; I have been wretched and miserable ever since." "Thank God! " said Mr. Sawday. "No," he added, "I cannot take £10; the watch was only worth £4: I'll take that; but I'm far more anxious that you should confess your sin to God, and obtain His pardon and grace." "That," quietly added the man, "I have sought, and I believe obtained." One of Mr. Sawday's deacons was greatly troubled about the very plain speech of the pastor in regard to this very address, and expressed his fear that such preaching would drive people away from the chapel. The good man, however, was silenced by the sequel. (Henry Varley.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. |
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