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

their dear ones, and one is found missing because
of neglect, what will the church answer? It is in a
great degree responsible for the salvation of these
orphan children.
In all probability you have failed to gain the
boy's confidence and affection by not giving him
more tangible proofs of your love by holding out
some inducements. If you could not expend money
you could at least in some way encourage him by
letting him know you were not indifferent to his
case. That the love and affection is to be all on one
side is a mistake. How much affection have you
educated yourselves to manifest? You are too much
shut up to yourselves, and do not feel the necessity
of surrounding yourselves with an atmosphere of
tenderness and gentleness, which comes from true
nobility of soul. Brother and Sister F left their
children to the care of the church. They had plenty
of wealthy relatives who wanted the children; but
they were unbelievers, and if allowed to have the
care, or become the guardians, of the children,
would lead their hearts away from the truth into
error, and endanger their salvation. Because these
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