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Testimonies for the Church, Volume 2 - Ellen G. White

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cannot be turned out of a certain course, and <strong>the</strong>y<br />

require even more patience exercised toward <strong>the</strong>m<br />

than children do. It is selfish to have a certain<br />

course marked out and pursue this course to <strong>the</strong><br />

inconvenience of o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

It is little things which test <strong>the</strong> character. It is<br />

<strong>the</strong> unpretending acts of daily self-denial, with<br />

cheerfulness and gentleness, that God smiles upon.<br />

We should not live <strong>for</strong> ourselves, but <strong>for</strong> o<strong>the</strong>rs.<br />

We should be a blessing by our <strong>for</strong>getfulness of<br />

self and our thoughtfulness of o<strong>the</strong>rs. We should<br />

cherish love, <strong>for</strong>bearance, and <strong>for</strong>titude.<br />

Very few realize <strong>the</strong> benefits of <strong>the</strong> care,<br />

responsibility, and experience that children bring to<br />

<strong>the</strong> family. Many have large families coming up<br />

without discipline; <strong>the</strong> parents are neglecting a<br />

precious trust and sacred duty, which, if faithfully<br />

per<strong>for</strong>med in <strong>the</strong> fear of God, would obtain, not<br />

only <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir children, but <strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong>mselves, a fitness<br />

<strong>for</strong> <strong>the</strong> kingdom of heaven. But a childless house is<br />

a desolate place. The hearts of <strong>the</strong> inmates are in<br />

danger of becoming selfish, of cherishing a love <strong>for</strong><br />

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