Care of Orphans
163
their jewels to the care of the church, to be instructed in the things of
God and fitted for heaven. When these parents shall look about for
their dear ones, and one is found missing because of neglect, what will
the church answer? It is in a great degree responsible for the salvation
of these orphan children.
In all probability you have failed to gain the boy’s confidence
and affection by not giving him more tangible proofs of your love by
holding out some inducements. If you could not expend money, you
could at least in some way encourage him by letting him know you
were not indifferent to his case. That the love and affection is to be
all on one side is a mistake. How much affection have you educated
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yourselves to manifest? You are too much shut up to yourselves and
do not feel the necessity of surrounding yourselves with an atmosphere
of tenderness and gentleness, which comes from true nobility of soul.
Brother and Sister F left their children to the care of the church. They
had plenty of wealthy relatives who wanted the children; but they were
unbelievers, and if allowed to have the care, or become the guardians,
of the children, would lead their hearts away from the truth into error,
and endanger their salvation. Because these relatives were not allowed
to take the children, they were dissatisfied, and have done nothing
for them. The confidence of the parents in the church should be
considered, and not be forgotten because of selfishness.
We have the deepest interest for these children. One has already
developed a beautiful Christian character and married a minister of
the gospel. And now, in return for the care and burdens borne for
her, she is a true burden bearer in the church. She is sought unto
for advice and counsel by the less experienced, and they seek not in
vain. She possesses true Christian humility, with becoming dignity,
which can but inspire respect and confidence in all who know her.
These children are as near to me as my own. I shall not lose sight
of them nor cease my care for them. I love them sincerely, tenderly,
affectionately.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:327-334
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Judged by What They Did Not Do—There are orphans that
should be cared for; but some will not venture to undertake this, for it
would bring them more work than they care to do, leaving them but
little time to please themselves. But when the King shall make investi-
gation these do-nothing, illiberal, selfish souls will learn that heaven is
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for those who have been workers, those who have denied themselves