02.43. Ninety and Nine (Poem)

43. Ninety and Nine.

Christians of all creeds rise to the sublime height of the salvation of all, in their best moments, as witness the universal singing of the "Ninety and Nine," a song that breathes the spirit, while it expresses the literal language of our faith, and yet is sung by Christians of every sect, everywhere.

There were ninety and nine that safely lay In the shelter of the fold, But one was out on the hills away, Far off from the gates of gold.

Away on the mountain wild and bare, Away from the tender Shepherd’s care.

"Lord, you have here your ninety and nine: Are they not enough for you?" But the Shepherd made answer, "This one of mine Has wandered away from me; And although the way be rough and steep, I go to the desert to find my sheep." But none of the ransomed ever knew How deep were the waters crossed, Nor how dark was the night the Lord passed through Ere he found his sheep that was lost.

Out in the desert he heard its cry - Sick and helpless and ready to die.

"Lord, whence are those blood-drops all the way That mark the mountain’s track?"

"They were shed for one who had gone astray Ere the Shepherd could bring him back!"

"Lord, whence are your hands so rent and torn?"

"They are pierced to-night by many a thorn."

All thro’ the mountains thunder-riven, And up from the rocky steep, There arose a cry to the gates of heaven, "Rejoice! I have found my sheep!" And the angels echoed around the throne, "Rejoice, for the Lord brings back his own!"