Chapter 10—Parables of the Lost
The Lost Sheep
I was referred to the parable of the lost sheep. The ninety and
nine sheep are left in the wilderness, and search is instituted for the
one that has strayed. When the lost sheep is found, the shepherd
elevates it to his shoulder and returns with rejoicing. He does not
return murmuring and censuring the poor lost sheep for having made
him so much trouble, but his return with the burden of the sheep is
with rejoicing.
And a still greater demonstration of joy is demanded. Friends and
neighbors are called to rejoice with the finder, “for I have found my
sheep which was lost.” The finding was the theme of rejoicing; the
straying was not dwelt upon; for the joy of finding overbalanced the
sorrow of the loss and the care, the perplexity and the peril, incurred in
searching for the lost sheep and restoring it to safety. “I say unto you,
that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more
than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
The Lost Silver
The lost piece of silver is designed to represent the erring, straying
sinner. The carefulness of the woman to find the lost silver is to teach
the followers of Christ a lesson in regard to their duty to the erring
ones who are straying from the path of right. The woman lighted the
candle to increase her light, and then swept the house, and sought
diligently till she found it.
Here is clearly defined the duty of Christians toward those who
need help because of their straying from God. The erring ones are
not to be left in darkness and error, but every available means is to be
used to bring them again to the light. The candle is lighted; and, with
earnest prayer for heavenly light to meet the cases of those enshrouded
in darkness and unbelief, the word of God is searched for clear points
of truth, that Christians may be so fortified with arguments from the
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