Counsels for the Church - Ellen G. White

and give expression to doubt and unbelief. Do not criticize those who carry
the burdens of responsibility. Let not the conversation in your homes be
poisoned with criticism of the Lord's workers. Parents who indulge this
criticizing spirit are not bringing before their children that which will make
them wise unto salvation. Their words tend to unsettle the faith and
confidence not only of the children, but of those older in years.
The managers of our institutions have a most difficult task to maintain
order and to discipline wisely the youth under their care. The members of the
church can do much to stay up their hands. When the youth are unwilling to
submit to the discipline of the institution, or in any matter of difference with
their superiors are determined to have their own way, let not parents blindly
sustain and sympathize with their children.
Better, far better might your children suffer, better lie in their graves,
than be taught to treat lightly the principles that lie at the very foundation of
loyalty to truth, to their fellow beings, and to God.
Criticism of Self Alone is of Practical Value
Would all professed Christians use their investigative powers to see
what evils needed to be corrected in themselves, instead of talking of others'
wrongs, there would be a more healthy condition in the church today. Some
will be honest when it costs nothing; but when policy will pay best, honesty
is forgotten. Honesty and policy will not work together in the same mind. In
time, either policy will be expelled, and truth and honesty reign supreme, or,
if policy is cherished, honesty will be forgotten. They are never in
agreement; they have nothing in common. One is the prophet of Baal, the
other is the true prophet of God. When the Lord makes up His jewels, the
true, the frank, the honest, will be looked upon with pleasure. Angels are
employed in making crowns for such ones, and upon these star-gemmed
crowns will be reflected, with splendor, the light which radiates from the
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