Orphaned Children. --Many a father who has died in the faith, resting upon
the eternal promise of God, has left his loved ones in full trust that the Lord
would care for them. And how does the Lord provide for these bereaved ones? He
does not work a miracle in sending manna from heaven; He does not send ravens to
bring them food; but He works a miracle upon human hearts, expelling selfishness
from the soul and unsealing the fountains of benevolence. He tests the love of
His professed followers by committing to their tender mercies the afflicted and
bereaved ones.
Let those who have the love of God open their hearts and homes to take in
these children. . . .
There is a wide field of usefulness before all who will work for the Master
in caring for these children and youth who have been deprived of the watchful
guidance of parents and the subduing influence of a Christian home. Many of them
have inherited evil traits of character; and if left to grow up in ignorance,
they will drift into associations that lead to vice and crime. These unpromising
children need to be placed in a position favourable for the formation of a right
character, that they may become children of God.
Responsibility of the Church. --Fatherless and motherless children are thrown
into the arms of the church, and Christ says to His followers: Take these
destitute children, bring them up for Me, and ye shall receive your wages. I
have seen much selfishness exhibited in these things. Unless there is some
special evidence that they themselves are to be benefited by adopting into their
family those who need homes, some turn away and answer: No. They do not seem to
know or care whether such are saved or lost. That, they think, is not their
business. With Cain they say: "Am I my brother's keeper?" They are not
willing to be put to inconvenience or to make any sacrifice for the orphans, and
they indifferently thrust such ones into the arms of the world, who are
sometimes more willing to receive them than are these professed Christians. In
the day of God inquiry will be made for those whom Heaven gave them the
opportunity of saving. But they wished to be excused, and would not engage in
the good work unless they could make it a matter of profit to them. I have been
shown that those who refuse these opportunities for doing good will hear from
Jesus: "As ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to
Me." Please read Isaiah 58: [verses 5-11].
An Appeal to Childless Couples. --Some who have not children of their own
should educate themselves to love and care for the children of others. They may
not be called to go to a foreign field of labour, but they may be called to work
in the very locality in which they live. In place of giving so much attention to
pets, lavishing affection upon dumb animals, let them exercise their talent upon
human beings who have a heaven to win and a hell to shun. Let them give their
attention to little children whose characters they may mould and fashion after
the divine similitude. Place your love upon the homeless little ones that are
around you. Instead of closing your heart to the members of the human family,
see how many of these little homeless ones you can bring up in the nurture and
admonition of the Lord. There is an abundance of work for everyone who wants work to do. By engaging in this line of
Christian endeavour, the church may be increased in members and enriched in
spirit. The work of saving the homeless and the fatherless is everyone's
business.
If those who have no children and whom God has made stewards of means would
expand their hearts to care for children who need love, care, and affection, and
assistance with this world's goods, they would be far happier than they are
today. So long as youth who have not a father's pitying care nor a mother's
tender love are exposed to the corrupting influences of these last days, it is
somebody's duty to supply the place of father and mother to some of them. Learn
to give them love, affection, and sympathy. All who profess to have a Father in
heaven, who they hope will care for them and finally take them to the home He
has prepared for them, ought to feel a solemn obligation resting upon them to be
friends to the friendless and fathers to the orphans, to aid the widows, and be
of some practical use in this world by benefiting humanity.
Should Ministers' Wives Adopt Children? --The question has been asked whether
a minister's wife should adopt infant children. I answer: if she has no
inclination or fitness to engage in missionary work outside her home, and feels
it her duty to take orphan children and care for them, she may do a good work.
But let the choice of children be first made from among those who have been left
orphans by Sabbathkeeping parents. God will bless men and women as they with
willing hearts share their homes with these homeless ones. But if the minister's
wife can herself act a part in the work of educating others, she should
consecrate her powers to God as a Christian worker. She should be a true helper to her husband, assisting him in his
work, improving her intellect, and helping to give the message. The way is open
for humble, consecrated women, dignified by the grace of Christ, to visit those
in need of help and shed light into discouraged souls. They can lift up the
bowed down by praying with them and pointing them to Christ. Such should not
devote their time and strength to one helpless little mortal that requires
constant care and attention. They should not thus voluntarily tie their hands.
Open Homes to Orphans and Friendless. --As far as lies in your power, make a
home for the homeless. Let everyone stand ready to act a part in helping forward
this work. The Lord said to Peter: "Feed My lambs." This command is to
us, and by opening our homes for the orphans we aid in its fulfilment. Let not
Jesus be disappointed in you.
Take these children and present them to God as a fragrant offering. Ask His
blessing upon them and then mould and fashion them according to Christ's order.
Will our people accept this holy trust.?[* NOTE: FOR FURTHER DETAILED COUNSEL ON
THIS TOPIC SEE WELFARE MINISTRY .]
A Test for God's People. --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 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.