Annual Offering for the Aged Poor and Orphans by W. H. THURSTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1908

Annual Offering for the Aged Poor and Orphans

By W. H. THURSTON

W. H. THURSTON

The time is at hand for another offering for the aged poor and orphans among us. “Ye have the poor with you always,” said the Master, “and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” The first Sabbath in April is the time appointed to do good to the worthy poor and orphans by contributing of our means which the Lord has entrusted to us.

Anciently the Lord instructed his people that the poor should never cease out of the land, and provisions were made to care for them. They were commanded to open the hand wide to their brethren, to the poor and to the needy in the land. This was a blessing to the giver, for it is a declaration of the Bible that “it is more blessed to give than to receive.” Thus the poor and needy were supplied from the abundance of those who had possessions. There are still, and always will be, the poor and needy in the land, and they are to be looked after and provided for by those who are in a condition to share with them.

Doubtless all will remember that plans were formulated a year ago whereby each union conference would provide places and care for the aged poor and orphans in its territory. This we believe to be an equitable adjustment, and satisfactory to all. This being understood, we will now come forward with our offerings to supply the needs of those dependent upon us, the Lord’s children. “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” So let us all be representatives of those on his right hand, the blessed, and be a blessing to the poor and needy by a liberal offering. Let all give as the Lord has prospered them, and then we can only say, “Of thine own have we given thee.” “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord.”

Let all remember the date, April 4, the first Sabbath in April. Let us come up to this day with thanksgiving, pay our vows unto the Most High, and contribute freely to the homeless and helpless and to the aged poor in our land. Any members of the “little flock” who do not have the privilege of assembling with the believers, may send their offerings to the treasurer of the church of which they are members, or direct to the treasurer of the conference in case they have not yet united with any church. These offerings should all be sent through the proper channel to the union conference treasurer.

Ottawa, Ontario.