The Ninety And Nine

There were ninety and nine that safely lay

In the shelter of the fold.

But one was out on the hills away,

From off the gates of gold.

Away on the mountains wild and bare.

Away from the tender Shepherd's care.

Jesus Finding The Lost Sheep

Robert Barrett

"Lord, Thou hast here Thy ninety and nine;

Are they not enough for Thee?"

But the Shepherd made answer:

"This of Mine has wandered away from Me;

And although the road 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 out the mountain's track?"

"They were shed for one who had gone astray.

Ere the Shepherd could bring him back."

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

"They are pierced tonight by many a thorn."

And all through the mountains, thunder riven

And up from the rocky steep,

There arose a glad cry to the gate of Heaven,

"Rejoice! I have found My sheep!"

And the angels echoed around the throne,

"Rejoice! For the Lord brings back His own."

"The Ninety And Nine"
(1868)
Elizabeth C. Clephane
(1830-1869)

Born in Scotland, Elizabeth lived most of her life
in the town of Melrose, about 30 miles southeast of the
city of Edinburgh.  She was known for her charity
 work and love of giving and was known locally as
   "The Sunbeam".

She wrote "The Ninety And Nine" 
 in memory of her brother.