Multitudes in Distress
25
Poverty and Sin Abound
Nigh and afar off are souls, not only the youth but those of all ages,
who are in poverty and distress, sunken in sin, and weighed down
with a sense of guilt. It is the work of God’s servants to seek for these
souls, to pray with them and for them, and lead them step by step to
the Saviour.
But those who do not recognize the claims of God are not the
only ones who are in distress and in need of help. In the world today,
where selfishness, greed, and oppression rule, many of the Lord’s
true children are in need and affliction. In lowly, miserable places,
surrounded with poverty, disease, and guilt, many are patiently bearing
their own burden of suffering, and trying to comfort the hopeless and
sin-stricken about them. Many of them are almost unknown to the
churches or to the ministers; but they are the Lord’s lights, shining amid
the darkness. For these the Lord has a special care, and He calls upon
His people to be His helping hand in relieving their wants. Wherever
there is a church, special attention should be given to searching out
[15]
this class and ministering to them.
Needs of the Rich
And while working for the poor, we should give attention also to
the rich, whose souls are equally precious in the sight of God. Christ
worked for all who would hear His word. He sought not only the
publican and the outcast, but the rich and cultured Pharisee, the Jewish
nobleman, and the Roman ruler. The wealthy man needs to be labored
for in the love and fear of God. Too often he trusts in his riches, and
feels not his danger. The worldly possessions which the Lord has
entrusted to men are often a source of great temptation. Thousands
are thus led into sinful indulgences that confirm them in habits of
intemperance and vice.
Among the wretched victims of want and sin are found many who
were once in possession of wealth. Men of different vocations and
different stations in life have been overcome by the pollutions of the
world, by the use of strong drink, by indulgence in the lusts of the
flesh, and have fallen under temptation. While these fallen ones excite
our pity and demand our help, should not some attention be given