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

their own ease, and consulting their own desires
and conveniences. They gather sympathy to
themselves, but have little to bestow upon others.
Care and affection for dependent children removes
the roughness from our natures, makes us 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 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
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