The lost coin

 --The lost coin, in the Savior's parable,--

-though lying in the dirt and rubbish, was a piece of silver still. 

-Its owner sought it because it was of value. 

-So every soul, however degraded by sin, 

-is in God's sight accounted precious. 

-As the coin bore the image 

and superscription of the reigning power, 

-so man at his creation bore the image 

and superscription of God. 

-Though now marred and dim through the influence of sin, 

-the traces of this inscription remain upon every soul.

*God desires to recover that soul 

and to retrace upon it His own image 

in righteousness and holiness. E.G.W.

Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, 

if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, 

and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it? 

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.
Luke 15:8-10