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Testimonies for the Church Volume 2
and to reform those who have ever been learning evil, is no slight
task; but Heaven has placed just such ones in your way. They are
blessings in disguise.
Years ago I was shown that God’s people would be tested upon
this point of making homes for the homeless; that there would be
many without homes in consequence of their believing the truth.
Opposition and persecution would deprive believers of their homes,
and it was the duty of those who had homes to open a wide door
to those who had not. I have been shown more recently that God
would specially test His professed people in reference to this matter.
Christ for our sakes became poor that we through His poverty might
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be made rich. He made a sacrifice that He might provide a home
for pilgrims and strangers in the world seeking for a better country,
even an heavenly. Shall those who are subjects of His grace, who are
expecting to be heirs of immortality, refuse, or even feel reluctant, to
share their homes with the homeless and needy? Shall we, who are
disciples of Jesus, refuse strangers an entrance to our doors because
they can claim no acquaintance with the inmates?
Has the injunction of the apostle no force in this age: “Be not
forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained
angels unawares”? I am daily pained with exhibitions of selfishness
among our people. There is an alarming absence of love and care
for those who are entitled to it. Our heavenly Father lays blessings
disguised in our pathway, but some will not touch these for fear they
will detract from their enjoyment. Angels are waiting to see if we
embrace opportunities within our reach of doing good—waiting to
see if we will bless others, that they in their turn may bless us. The
Lord Himself has made us to differ,—some poor, some rich, some
afflicted,—that all may have an opportunity to develop character.
The poor are purposely permitted to be thus of God, that we may be
tested and proved, and develop what is in our hearts.
I have heard many excuse themselves from inviting to their
homes and hearts the saints of God. “Why, I have nothing prepared,
I have nothing cooked; they must go to some other place.” And at
that place there may be some other excuse invented for not receiving
those who need hospitality, and the feelings of the visitors are deeply
grieved, and they leave with unpleasant impressions in regard to the
hospitality of these professed brethren and sisters. If you have no