Testimonies for the Church Vol 1 - Lansing SDA Church

Chapter 58—Duty to the Poor[273]Inquiries are often made in regard to our duty to the poor whoembrace the third message; and we ourselves have long been anxiousto know how to manage with discretion the cases of poor families whoembrace the Sabbath. But while at Roosevelt, New York, August 3,1861, I was shown some things in regard to the poor.God does not require our brethren to take charge of every poorfamily that shall embrace this message. If they should do this, the ministersmust cease to enter new fields, for the funds would be exhausted.Many are poor from their own lack of diligence and economy; theyknow not how to use means aright. If they should be helped, it wouldhurt them. Some will always be poor. If they should have the verybest advantages, their cases would not be helped. They have not goodcalculation and would use all the means they could obtain, were itmuch or little. Some know nothing of denying self and economizingto keep out of debt and to get a little ahead for a time of need. If thechurch should help such individuals instead of leaving them to relyupon their own resources, it would injure them in the end, for they lookto the church and expect to receive help from them and do not practiceself-denial and economy when they are well provided for. And if theydo not receive help every time, Satan tempts them, and they becomejealous and very conscientious for their brethren, fearing they will failto do all their duty to them. The mistake is on their own part. They aredeceived. They are not the Lord’s poor.The instructions given in the word of God in regard to helpingthe poor do not touch such cases, but are for the unfortunate andafflicted. God in His providence has afflicted individuals to test andprove others. Widows and invalids are in the church to prove a blessingto the church. They are a part of the means which God has chosento develop the true character of Christ’s professed followers and tocall into exercise the precious traits of character manifested by ourcompassionate Redeemer.264