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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
tender and sympathetic, and has an influence to develop the nobler
elements of our character. Many are diseased physically, mentally,
and morally, because their attention is turned almost exclusively to
themselves. They might be saved from stagnation by the healthy
vitality of younger and varying minds, and the restless energy of
children.
Brother J is aged. No weighty responsibility should now rest
upon him. He has displeased God in his misapplied love for his
children. He has had too much anxiety to help them pecuniarily
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that he might not offend them. In order to please, he has injured
them. They are not wise and faithful in the management of means,
even from the worldling’s standpoint. Viewed from a religious
standpoint, they are very deficient. They have not conscientious
scruples in regard to religious things. They do not adorn society
by their position and influence in the world, nor do they adorn the
cause of God by pure Christian morals and virtuous acts in the
service of Christ. They have not been trained to habits of self-denial
and self-reliance as their safeguards in life. Here is the great sin
resting upon parents. They do not discipline their children and do
not train them up for God. They do not teach them self-government,
stability of character, and the necessity of a resolute, well-directed
will. Most children, in this age, are left to come up. They are not
taught the necessity of developing their physical and mental powers
for some good purpose, to bless society with their influence, to be
well qualified to adorn the Christian life, and to perfect holiness in
the fear of God.
Brother J has erred in entrusting his property to his children. He
has laid upon them responsibilities which they were not qualified
to bear. He placed his means out of his control and has gathered
up means from his brethren for his feeble labors. God has not been
glorified by the course which he has pursued in regard to his property.
He has excused a wrong course pursued by his children, which is
not in keeping with our faith or the Bible standard. He has virtually
said to the wicked, It shall be well with thee; when God has plainly
declared it shall be ill with him.
These errors upon the part of Brother J show a great lack of
heavenly wisdom and have, in a great degree, disqualified him for
the solemn work resting upon the faithful minister of Christ. What