The Medical Missionary
July 1, 1891
Our Orphans
A worthy object to be had in view is to provide a place of rest for our ministers who through age or illness are unable to labor. This matter has been neglected. Our people have not felt as they should the necessity of making arrangements to care for the ministers who through labor in the cause of God become feeble and cannot longer bear the burden and heat of the day. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 1
As we travel, we see generous provision made for the veterans who fought in the war for our country. These men bear the scars and life-long infirmities that tell of their perilous conflicts, their forced marches, their exposure to storms, their suffering in prison. And all these give them a just claim upon the nation they helped to save,—a claim that is recognized and honored. But what provision have Seventh-day Adventists made for the soldiers of Christ? While we plead for a home for the orphans, we urge also that a ministers’ home should be provided. This matter has been referred to again and again, but no decided action has been taken in reference to it. As a people, we should feel that we have a duty to do in this matter. Every church member should feel an interest in all that concerns our human brotherhood in Christ. We are members one of another; if one member suffers, all the members suffer with him. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 2
Our ministers who have labored earnestly, forgetful of self, to win souls to Christ, and who sink down in the battle wearied and ill, must not be left to struggle through life in poverty, or to feel that they are paupers. Often ministers are appointed to a field of labor which they know is detrimental to their health, but they venture, hoping to be a help and blessing to the people, and not willing to shun trying places. After a time they find health failing, and they must have a change of climate, and even a change of work. Often this is tried without bringing relief; and now, what are they to do? MMis July 1, 1891, par. 3
With what pleasure and restful peace would the worn and weary laborer look to a quiet home where his just claim to its hospitality would he recognized! MMis July 1, 1891, par. 4
“If there be among you a poor man of any of thy brethren, within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother; but thou shalt open thy hand wide unto him, and shalt surely lend him sufficient for his need in that which he wanteth. Thou shalt surely give him, and thy heart shall not be grieved when thou givest unto him; because that for this thing the Lord thy God shalt bless thee in all thy works and in all thou puttest thy hand unto.” MMis July 1, 1891, par. 5
“If thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him; yea though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. Take no usury of him, or increase; but fear thy God that thy brother may live with thee.” MMis July 1, 1891, par. 6
The faithful laborers for God have for Christ's sake given up worldly prospects, choosing poverty rather than pleasure or riches; and when they are no longer able to labor, and have not means for their own support, it is but just that their wants and the needs of those dependent upon them should be provided for. When sickness or infirmity comes upon them, let not our ministers be burdened with the thought, “What will become of my wife and little ones, now that I am no longer able to supply their necessities?” MMis July 1, 1891, par. 7
A fund should be raised especially for ministers who are unable to labor. We cannot be clear before God unless we make every reasonable effort in this matter without delay. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 8
There are among us some who will not see the necessity of this move, but their opposition should have no influence with us. We must not regard their complainings. Let those who purpose in their hearts to be right and do right, move steadily forward to the accomplishment of a good work, one which God requires to be done. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 9
This is a work which calls for the co-operation of all. Money is needed for these enterprises. There are many who are at their ease, who have postponed the work of doing good with their substance, but shall it be so any longer? Shall we love money so well that we will bury it in the world? Already the Orphans’ Home has been started. The ground has been purchased, and now the enterprise must not be left to languish. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 10
The help of every one is needed. The mites from every source are to be carefully treasured. The humble gift of the widow, the limited sum from the poorer class, is not, in the sight of God, inferior to the larger offerings; the Lord will add his blessing to the gift, making its errand of mercy fruitful in accordance with the whole-hearted cheerfulness with which it is bestowed. If the affluent give grudgingly, longing to have every dollar to invest in speculation, or other worldly enterprises, they will receive no reward. We urge that the money usually invested for picture-taking shall now be put to a higher and holier use. Seek to reach all souls within the sphere of your influence. The ardor of youth is needed. The young should put away vanity, and restrict their wants. In your expenditure consider that it is God's money that you are handling, and that you must render an account for its use. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 11
The aged are losing their hold on this life. I appeal to them to make a right disposition of their Lord's goods. Give back to the Lord his own while you live. Remember that you are God's stewards, and be faithful to bring into his treasury the means intrusted to you. Do not fail to attend to this while you have your reason. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 12
As age comes upon us, it is our duty to make a disposition of our means to the instrumentalities that God has established, to make his truth and name a praise in the earth. This work has been greatly neglected, but it must now receive more attention. Satan is using every device to divert the means so much needed away from the Lord who gave his own life for perishing souls. I ask, Shall not these earthly treasures be sent beforehand to heaven, that we may lay up our treasure in bags that wax not old? I would especially urge the aged who are soon to make a disposal of their means, to remember the wants of those who have ministered faithfully in word and doctrine. Will my brethren arouse to a sense of their God-given responsibilities? Should health and life fail, place your means where it can be invested in the cause of God, and thus be put out to the exchangers and be constantly accumulating. As the light of truth is brought before others who receive it, and in their turn use their talents in God's cause, the work progresses, and talents increase. I call upon the church as a whole, and upon its individual members, to render to God his own intrusted capital with interest. Thus you shall have treasure in heaven. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 13
The whole church is charged with a solemn responsibility in every branch of its operations. If its members follow Christ, they will deny the desire for self-gratification, the love of dress, the love of elegant houses and furniture, that they may extend the cords of love far and near. Instead of making a vain display to excite the envy of others, they will manifest a holy emulation in supporting the weak and aiding the suffering members of Christ's body. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 14
Brethren and sisters, as this appeal in behalf of the needy comes to you, I hope that you will respond. Let every member take a lively interest in this good work. Do not let Jesus be disappointed in you. The word of God abounds with instruction as to how we should treat the widow and fatherless, and the needy, suffering poor. If all would do the work of the Master, the widow's heart would sing for joy, and hungry little children would be fed, the destitute would be clothed, and those ready to perish would be revived. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 15
And what a blessing would come to the workers! To many who are now indolent, selfish, and self-centered, it would be as a life from the dead. There would be among us a revival of heavenly charity and wisdom and zeal. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 16
The work before us may seem great, but, brethren, the heavenly intelligences are looking on, and when, imbued with zeal for Christ's honor, we place ourselves in the channel of God's providence, these heavenly messengers will impart to us a new spiritual power, so that we shall be able to combat difficulties and triumph over obstacles. Let 1891 be signalized as a year in which was planned and begun a God-like enterprise for the relief of suffering humanity. MMis July 1, 1891, par. 17