Care for Workers
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Workers Neglected
Our people have not felt as they should the necessity of this matter,
and it has therefore been neglected. The churches have been thought-
less, and, though the light of the word of God has been shining upon
their pathway, they have neglected this most sacred duty. The Lord
is greatly displeased with this neglect of His faithful servants. Our
people should be as willing to assist these persons when in adverse
circumstances as they have been willing to accept their means and
services when in health.
God has laid upon us the obligation of giving special attention to
the poor among us. But these ministers and workers are not to be
ranked with the poor. They have laid up for themselves a treasure in
the heavens that faileth not. They have served the conference in its
necessity, and now the conference is to serve them. When cases of this
kind come before us, we are not to pass by on the other side. We are not
to say, “Be ye warmed and filled” (
James 2:16
), and then take no active
measures to supply their necessities. This has been done in the past,
and thus in some cases Seventh-day Adventists have dishonored their
profession of faith and have given the world opportunity to reproach
the cause of God.
Providing Homes for Workers
It is now the duty of God’s people to roll back this reproach by
providing these servants of God with comfortable homes, with a few
acres of land on which they can raise their own produce and feel that
they are not dependent on the charities of their brethren. With what
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pleasure and peace would these worn laborers look to a quiet little
home where their just claims to its rest would be recognized!
The duty we owe to these persons has been referred to again
and again, but no decided action has been taken in reference to it.
As a people we should feel our responsibility in this matter. Every
church member should feel an interest in all that concerns the human
brotherhood and the brotherhood in Christ. We are members one
of another; if one member suffers, all the members suffer with him.
Something must be done, and the conference should have spiritual