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

influence in the world, nor do they adorn the cause
of God by pure Christian morals and virtuous acts
in the service of Christ. They have not been trained
to habits of self-denial and self-reliance as their
safeguards in life. Here is the great sin resting upon
parents. They do not discipline their children and
do not train them up for God. They do not teach
them self-government, stability of character, and
the necessity of a resolute, well-directed will. Most
children, in this age, are left to come up. They are
not taught the necessity of developing their
physical and mental powers for some good
purpose, to bless society with their influence, to be
well qualified to adorn the Christian life, and to
perfect holiness in the fear of God.
Brother J has erred in entrusting his property to
his children. He has laid upon them responsibilities
which they were not qualified to bear. He placed
his means out of his control and has gathered up
means from his brethren for his feeble labors. God
has not been glorified by the course which he has
pursued in regard to his property. He has excused a
wrong course pursued by his children, which is not
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