Miscellaneous Lines of Missionary Work
211
manifested in prayers and deeds, will come up in remembrance before
[216]
God, to be rewarded by and by.—
The Review and Herald, June 27,
1893
.
When you succor the poor, sympathize with the afflicted and op-
pressed, and befriend the orphan, you bring yourselves into a closer
relationship to Jesus.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:25
.
There are orphans that can be cared for; but many will not venture
to undertake such a work; for it involves more labor than they care
to do, leaving them but little time to please themselves. But when
the King shall make investigation, these do-nothing, illiberal, selfish
souls will then learn that heaven is for those who have been workers,
those who have denied themselves for Christ’s sake. No provisions
have been made for those who have ever taken such special care in
loving and looking out for themselves. The terrible punishment the
King threatened those on His left hand, in this case, is not because of
their great crimes. They are not condemned for the things which they
did do, but for that which they did not do. They did not those things
Heaven assigned them to do. They pleased themselves, and can take
their portion with self-pleasers.—
The Review and Herald, August 16,
1881
.
There are orphans whom Christ has bidden His followers receive
as a trust from God. Too often these are passed by with neglect. They
may be ragged, uncouth, and seemingly in every way unattractive; yet
they are God’s property. They have been bought with a price, and they
are as precious in His sight as we are. They are members of God’s
great household, and Christians as His stewards are responsible for
them. “Their souls,” He says, “will I require at thine hand.”—
Christ’s
Object Lessons, 386, 387
.
The Lord calls on every member of the church to do your duty
to these orphans. Do not, however, work for them merely from the
standpoint of duty, but because you love them, and Christ died to
save them. Christ has purchased these souls that need your care, and
He expects you to love them as He has loved you in your sins and
waywardness.—
The Review and Herald, June 27, 1893
.
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He will not hearken to the prayer of His people while the orphan,
the fatherless, the lame, the blind, and the sick are neglected among
them.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:518
.