Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

in particular the following points:
The ninety and nine sheep are left, and diligent
search is made for the one that is lost. The entire
effort is made for this unfortunate sheep. So should
the effort of the church be directed in behalf of
those members who are straying from the fold of
Christ. And have they wandered far away, do not
wait till they return before you try to help them, but
go in search of them.
When the lost sheep was found, it was borne
home with joy, and much rejoicing followed. This
illustrates the blessed, joyful work of laboring for
the erring. The church that engages successfully in
this work is a happy church. That man or that
woman whose soul is drawn out in compassion and
love for the erring, and who labors to bring them to
the fold of the Great Shepherd, is engaged in a
blessed work. And, oh, what a soul-enrapturing
thought, that when one sinner is thus reclaimed,
there is more joy in heaven than over ninety and
nine just persons! Selfish, exclusive, exacting souls
who seem to fear to help those in error, as though
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