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

neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I
have found my sheep which was lost."
Here were the cases of several who had
backslidden, who had been in darkness, and who
had strayed from the fold. But especially was the
case of Brother A prominent. All the efforts were
not made which should have been made in wisdom
to prevent his straying from the fold; and after he
had strayed, diligent efforts were not put forth to
bring him back. There was more gossiping over his
case than sincere sorrow for him. All these things
kept him from the fold and caused his heart to be
separated farther and farther from his brethren,
making his rescue still more difficult. How
different was this course from that pursued by the
shepherd in the parable, when in pursuit of the lost
sheep. The whole ninety and nine were left in the
wilderness to care for themselves, exposed to
dangers; yet the lone sheep, separated from the
flock, was in greater danger, and to secure the one,
the ninety and nine were left.
Some of the church had no special anxiety to
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