p. 6 | Not Mendicants by Mrs. S. R. Town

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 21, 1910

Not Mendicants

By Mrs. S. R. Town

MRS. S. R. TOWN

CHARITABLE associations have long since discovered that indiscriminate giving creates chronic beggars, so inclined is the human heart to mendicancy. Perhaps we resent such an indictment, and really do live above it in financial matters. But there are things so precious and rare that money can not procure them.

There lived in a certain village a quiet, unassuming little woman, who had not a wide circle of acquaintances, and whose household duties fully occupied her heart and hands. But if one were in perplexity or distress of ever so delicate a nature, this little woman would be sure to listen sympathetically, and advise wisely. And the poor, troubled soul could leave her presence relieved and grateful, sure that his confidence would be respected. Some said that she was the dearest little woman in the world; others, that she was a perfect treasure; and still others, that they loved her dearly; and there the matter ended, unless perhaps for the unconscious self-congratulations of those who had voiced such generous sentiments concerning a friend.

There was a man of our acquaintance who never seemed to forget any one. Engaged himself in an enterprise which absorbed his whole soul, he ever found time to bestow an encouraging smile on the disheartened, a word of hearty good-cheer on the wavering, a few moments’ conversation on the lonely. He never announced himself as on a missionary

visit. Many times he did not quote a single text of Scripture. But who misunderstands the language of brotherly love? One heard people saying, “If I could do as much good by a few words, I would certainly do it,” and, “How I wish I had such a sympathetic heart!”

Good resolutions and wishes these! No doubt the Lord lets our lot be thrown in with such people on purpose to stimulate them. But little credit shall we ever receive if we stop short there. For he it is who says that his people shall lend to all nations, and not borrow. They shall be the head, and not the tail. “Freely ye have received, freely give.” He will not have us spiritual beggars, and has accordingly made the most generous and painstaking provision that we may succor the disconsolate, sore-hearted world all around us.

“O how great is thy goodness, which thou hast laid up for them that fear thee; which thou hast wrought for them that trust in thee before the sons of men!” Here is the secret of— “The heart at leisure from itself To soothe and sympathize.”

Takoma Park, D. C.