170
Welfare Ministry
But if the minister’s wife can herself act a part in the work of edu-
cating others, she should consecrate her powers to God as a Christian
worker. She should be a true helper to her husband, assisting him in his
work, improving her intellect, and helping to give the message. The
way is open for humble, consecrated women, dignified by the grace of
[235]
Christ, to visit those in need of help and shed light into discouraged
souls. They can lift up the bowed down by praying with them and
pointing them to Christ. Such should not devote their time and strength
to one helpless little mortal that requires constant care and attention.
They should not thus voluntarily tie their hands.—
Testimonies for the
Church 6:285
.
Perhaps God Has Withheld This Blessing—A well-ordered,
well-disciplined family will have a powerful influence for good. But
if you have no children of your own, it may be that the Lord has a
wise purpose in withholding from you this blessing. It should not be
taken as evidence that it is your duty to adopt a child. In some cases
this might be advisable. If the Lord bids you take an infant to bring
up, then the duty is too plain to be misunderstood. But as a rule it
would not be wise for a minister’s wife to encumber herself with such
a responsibility....
If the companion of a minister is united with her husband in the
work of saving souls, it is the highest work she can do. But the care of
a little child would absorb her attention, so that she could not attend
meetings and labor successfully in visiting and personal effort. Even
if she accompanies her husband, the child is too often the burden of
thought and conversation, and the visit is made of no effect. Those
whom God has called to be colaborers with Him are to have no idols
to absorb thought and affection that He would have directed in other
lines.—
Manuscript 35, 1896
.
Ever Keep a Proper Perspective of Responsibility—Great con-
sideration must be exercised in the work that we undertake. We are
not to assume large burdens in the care of infant children. This work
[236]
is being done by others. We have a special work in caring for and
educating the children more advanced in years. Let families who
can do so adopt the little ones, and they will receive a blessing in so
doing.—
Testimonies for the Church 6:246, 247
.
[237]