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

they should be encouraged and strengthened by all
the aid which it is in our power to bestow. You as a
family have too rigid rules and set ideas which
cannot be made to fit every case. You lack love,
gentleness, tenderness, and pity for those who do
not move as fast as they should. This spirit has
prevailed to such an extent that you are withering
spiritually instead of flourishing in the Lord. Your
interest, and efforts, and anxieties are for your
family and your relatives. But you have not
entertained the idea of reaching out for others
around you, overcoming your reluctance to exert
an influence outside of a special circle. You idolize
yours, and shut yourselves within yourselves. That
the Lord may save me and mine is the great
burden. This spirit will have to die before you can
flourish in the Lord and make spiritual
advancement, before the church can grow and
souls be added unto them of such as shall be saved.
You are all narrowed up as to labor for others,
and must change your base of operations. Your
relatives are no dearer in the sight of God than any
other poor souls who need salvation. We must put
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