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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
welcome. If all had made thorough work in clearing away the world’s
rubbish and preparing a place for Jesus, He would have entered and
abode with you, and would have done a great work through you for
the salvation of others. But notwithstanding you were unprepared for
the work, it commenced among you in mighty power. Backsliders
were reclaimed, sinners were converted, and the sound went out
into the region round about. The community was stirred. Had the
church come up to the help of the Lord, and had the way been fully
opened for further labor, a work would have been accomplished
in-----and-----and the region round about, such as you have never
witnessed. But the minds of the brethren were not aroused, and
they were in a great degree indifferent to the matter. Some who had
ever been seeking their own interest could not think of having their
minds drawn away from themselves on this occasion, even though
the salvation of souls might be at stake.
The Lord had laid upon us the burden. We were willing to give
you all there was of us for a time, if you would come up with us
to the help of the Lord. But in this there was a decided failure.
Great ingratitude was shown for the manifestations of the power of
God among you. Had you received the tokens of God’s mercy and
loving-kindness as you should, with thankful hearts, and united your
interest to work with the Spirit of God, you would not be in your
present condition. But since that precious work was done among
you, you have been going down and withering spiritually.
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The parable of the lost sheep you do not yet understand. You
have not learned the lesson the divine Teacher designed you should.
You have been dull scholars. Read the parable in
Luke 15
: “What
man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth
not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that
which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth
it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth
together his friends and 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