Care of Orphans
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Take these children and present them to God as a fragrant offering.
Ask His blessing upon them, and then mold and fashion them accord-
ing to Christ’s order. Will our people accept this holy trust? Because
of our shallow piety and worldly ambition, shall those for whom Christ
has died be left to suffer, to go in wrong paths?—
Testimonies for the
Church 6:282-284
.
They Are God’s Property—Orphans who are lent to Christians
in trust for God are too often passed by and neglected, and yet they are
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bought with a price, and are just as valuable in the sight of God as we
are.... They must be cared for; they must receive special attention. You
cannot expend your means in a better way than by opening your doors
to make homes for them. When the Lord sees that you are faithful
in doing what you can to relieve human misery, He will move upon
others to provide means to care for those who need help. Those who
enlarge their hearts in this kind of work do no more than their duty.
Christ is our example. He was the Majesty of heaven, yet He did
more for our fellow men than any of us can possibly do. “Ye are
labourers together with God.” Let not one needless expenditure be
made for the gratification of pride and vanity. Put your mites and your
larger sums in the bank of heaven, where they will accumulate. Many
who have had precious opportunities to wear the yoke of Christ in this
most precious line of work have refused to submit to the yoke. It has
not been pleasant to practice unselfishness, and they have neglected
to make the cases of the poor and unfortunate their own. They do not
heed the injunctions of Christ, and improve every talent that the Lord
has given them, cooperating with heavenly intelligences in gathering
souls who will serve, honor, and glorify the name of Christ.—
The
Review and Herald, January 15, 1895
.
Counsel to Foster Parents—Dear Brother and Sister D: Your late
visit and conversation with us have suggested many thoughts, of which
I cannot forbear placing a few upon paper. I was very sorry that E had
not carried himself correctly at all times; yet, when you consider, you
cannot expect perfection in youth at his age. Children have faults, and
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they need a great deal of patient instruction.
That he should have feelings not always correct is no more than
can be expected of a boy of his age. You must remember that he has
no father or mother, no one to whom he can confide his feelings, his
sorrows, and his temptations. Every person feels that he must have