Our Duty to the Household of Faith
New Sabbathkeepers
There are two classes of poor whom we have always within our
borders—those who ruin themselves by their own independent course
of action and continue in their transgression, and those who for the
truth’s sake have been brought into straitened circumstances. We are
to love our neighbor as ourselves, and then toward both these classes
we shall do the right thing under the guidance and counsel of sound
wisdom.
There is no question in regard to the Lord’s poor. They are to be
helped in every case where it will be for their benefit.
God wants His people to reveal to a sinful world that He has not
left them to perish. Special pains should be taken to help those who
for the truth’s sake are cast out from their homes and are obliged to
suffer. More and more there will be need of large, open, generous
hearts, those who will deny self and will take hold of the cases of these
very ones whom the Lord loves. The poor among God’s people must
not be left without provision for their wants. Some way must be found
whereby they may obtain a livelihood. Some will need to be taught
to work. Others who work hard and are taxed to the utmost of their
ability to support their families will need special assistance. We should
take an interest in these cases and help them to secure employment.
There should be a fund to aid such worthy poor families who love God
and keep His commandments.
Care must be taken that the means needed for this work shall not
be diverted into other channels. It makes a difference whether we
help the poor who through keeping God’s commandments are reduced
to want and suffering, or whether we neglect these in order to help
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blasphemers who tread underfoot the commandments of God. And
God regards the difference. Sabbathkeepers should not pass by the
Lord’s suffering, needy ones to take upon themselves the burden of
supporting those who continue in transgression of God’s law, those
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