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Duty to Orphans
295
are many ways in which you can do it. But you have not felt that this
was the result of true religion. This is the fruit which every good
tree will produce. You have not felt that it was required of you to be
interested in others, to make their cases your own, and to manifest
an unselfish interest for the very ones who stand most in need of
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help. You have not reached out to help the most needy, the most
helpless. Had you children of your own to call into exercise care,
affection, and love, you would not be so much shut up to yourselves
and to your own interests. If those who have no children, and whom
God has made stewards of means, would expand their hearts to care
for children who need love, care, and affection, and assistance with
this world’s goods, they would be far happier than they are today.
So long as youth who have not a father’s pitying care nor a mother’s
tender love are exposed to the corrupting influences of these last
days, it is somebody’s duty to supply the place of father and mother
to some of them. Learn to give them love, affection, and sympathy.
All who profess to have a Father in heaven, who they hope will care
for them and finally take them to the home He has prepared for them,
ought to feel a solemn obligation resting upon them to be friends to
the friendless and fathers to the orphans, to aid the widows, and be
of some practical use in this world by benefiting humanity. Many
have not viewed these things in a right light. If they live merely for
themselves, they will have no greater strength than this calls for.
The youth who are growing up among us are not cared for as they
should be. Some of the brethren must have duties which they are not
willing and ready to see and perform. The fear of inconveniencing
themselves is a sufficient excuse for many. The day of God will
reveal unfulfilled duties—souls lost because the selfish would not
take pains to interest themselves in their behalf.
I was shown that should professed Christians cultivate more
affection and kind regard in caring for others, they would be repaid
fourfold. God marks. He knows for what object we live, and whether
our living is put to the very best account for poor, fallen humanity,
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or whether our eyes are eclipsed to everything but our own interest,
and to everyone but our own poor selves. I entreat you, in behalf
of Christ, in behalf of your own souls, and in behalf of the youth,
not to think so lightly of this matter as many do. It is a grave, a
serious thing, and affects your interest in the kingdom of Christ,