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Helpless Poor
141
for Him. Under such care many homeless and neglected ones may
be prepared to become useful members of society, an honor to Christ
themselves, and in their turn helping others.
Many despise economy, confounding it with stinginess and nar-
rowness. But economy is consistent with the broadest liberality.
Indeed, without economy, there can be no true liberality. We are to
save, that we may give.
No one can practice real benevolence without self-denial. Only
by a life of simplicity, self-denial, and close economy is it possible
for us to accomplish the work appointed us as Christ’s representa-
tives. Pride and worldly ambition must be put out of our hearts. In
all our work the principle of unselfishness revealed in Christ’s life
is to be carried out. Upon the walls of our homes, the pictures, the
furnishings, we are to read, “Bring the poor that are cast out to thy
house.” On our wardrobes we are to see written, as with the finger of
God, “Clothe the naked.” In the dining room, on the table laden with
abundant food, we should see traced, “Is it not to deal thy bread to
the hungry?”
Isaiah 58:7
.
A thousand doors of usefulness are open before us. Often we
lament the scanty resources available, but were Christians thoroughly
in earnest, they could multiply the resources a thousandfold. It is
selfishness, self-indulgence, that bars the way to our usefulness.
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How much means is expended for things that are mere idols,
things that engross thought and time and strength which should be
put to a higher use! How much money is wasted on expensive houses
and furniture, on selfish pleasures, luxurious and unwholesome food,
hurtful indulgences! How much is squandered on gifts that benefit no
one! For things that are needless, often harmful, professed Christians
are today spending more, many times more, than they spend in
seeking to rescue souls from the tempter.
Many who profess to be Christians spend so much on dress that
they have nothing to spare for the needs of others. Costly ornaments
and expensive clothing they think they must have, regardless of the
needs of those who can with difficulty provide themselves with even
the plainest clothing.
My sisters, if you would bring your manner of dressing into
conformity with the rules given in the Bible, you would have an
abundance with which to help your poorer sisters. You would have