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Testimonies for the Church Volume 6
wretchedness, and the wicked example around them. They hear the
name of God only in profanity. Impure words, the fumes of liquor and
tobacco, moral degradation of every kind, meets the eye and perverts
the senses. And from these abodes of wretchedness piteous cries
for food and clothing are sent out by many who know nothing about
prayer.
By our churches there is a work to be done of which many have
little idea, a work as yet almost untouched. “I was an hungered,” Christ
says, “and ye gave Me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave Me drink: I was
a stranger, and ye took Me in: naked, and ye clothed Me: I was sick,
and ye visited Me; I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.”
Matthew
25:35, 36
. Some think that if they give money to this work, it is all they
are required to do; but this is an error. Donations of money cannot take
the place of personal ministry. It is right to give our means, and many
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more should do this; but according to their strength and opportunities,
personal service is required of all.
The work of gathering in the needy, the oppressed, the suffering,
the destitute, is the very work which every church that believes the
truth for this time should long since have been doing. We are to show
the tender sympathy of the Samaritan in supplying physical necessities,
feeding the hungry, bringing the poor that are cast out to our homes,
gathering from God every day grace and strength that will enable us to
reach to the very depths of human misery and help those who cannot
possibly help themselves. In doing this work we have a favorable
opportunity to set forth Christ the crucified One.
Every church member should feel it his special duty to labor for
those living in his neighborhood. Study how you can best help those
who take no interest in religious things. As you visit your friends
and neighbors, show an interest in their spiritual as well as in their
temporal welfare. Present Christ as a sin-pardoning Saviour. Invite
your neighbors to your home, and read with them from the precious
Bible and from books that explain its truths. This, united with simple
songs and fervent prayers, will touch their hearts. Let church members
educate themselves to do this work. This is just as essential as to save
the benighted souls in foreign countries. While some feel the burden of
souls afar off, let the many who are at home feel the burden of precious
souls around them and work just as diligently for their salvation.