That is very sad to hear. But at least there was one. Similarly, in the passage cited, the 12 were bold but the rest "didn't dare". The point is that the 12 were exemplary Christians, setting the standard, defining what we ought to be.
That so many caved, and that so few remained faithful, reminds me of a certain few lines from Milton's 'Lycidas':
> Of other care they little reck'ning make,
> Then how to scramble at the shearers feast,
> And shove away the worthy bidden guest.
> Blind mouthes! that scarce themselves know how to hold
> A Sheep-hook, or have learn'd ought els the least [ 120 ]
> That to the faithfull Herdmans art belongs!
> What recks it them? What need they? They are sped;
> And when they list, their lean and flashy songs
> Grate on their scrannel Pipes of wretched straw,
> The hungry Sheep look up, and are not fed, [ 125 ]
> But swoln with wind, and the rank mist they draw,
> Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread:
https://milton.host.dartmouth.edu/reading_room/lycidas/text.shtml
Yes he’s an awesome guy. Derek. Held the line and cited passages.
Fellow warrior for Christ
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