THE BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION.
By James White
The readiness with which our people took hold of the work, and the zeal they have manifested in it, show that their hearts are in it. It is one of the noblest efforts of Seventh-day Adventists, and we shall find a blessing in it. The duties of God's people to the needy are distinctly pointed out in the word, and great blessings are promised those who do their duty in this direction. In the prosecution of this good work, means will be necessary; but our people should not feel that their work is done when they have put the sum of ten dollars each into the treasury of the Association. The proper appropriation of this means is a more difficult task than the work of raising it. It can be very easily disposed of in a careless manner; but to use it only where actually needed, is a matter that will require care. This is important: first, because our Lord's money should be used according to the mind of the Lord; and second, because if it is applied to unworthy objects, the Lord's needy will be neglected. What is now needed, is a careful and prayerful activity in searching out the wants of the Lord's suffering needy. In a large proportion of such cases, not a dollar is needed from the treasury to help such. This is particularly the case with orphans from five to eighteen years of age. They only need to be placed in those families where they are needed. When I say needed, I do not refer particularly to work. These fatherless and motherless children are needed to bless the dreary homes of those who have no children. True, all such should be taught to bear their weight in the world as far and as fast as possible; but those who have only the idea of work before them, should never think of taking an orphan to their homes. They need to perform a proper amount of labor. Well-directed labor is a part of that education which they need, and which they must have, to lead them to a life of usefulness; but with this they must have care and affection. I said that the fatherless and motherless were needed to bless the homes of the childless. Not, however, as slaves, but to be instructed patiently, and encouraged, in all the duties of this life and in the way of the life to come. This is what many need in their houses to teach them lessons of love and forbearance, that love to all around them, and love to God may naturally abide in their hearts. Those who have no children to bear with, to teach patiently, and to forgive when they do wrong, are in danger of becoming selfish, narrow-souled, and covetous. I say these orphans are just what is needed to cheer and bless many a lonely home. It will be a care, and sometimes a burden and perplexity; but this is just what you need. Those who shun all such responsibilities, never amount to anything in this life, and I am certain they will amount to just nothing in the next. Do to the needy as Christ has done for us. He put himself out, as we say in other matters, to help us. How much he has suffered and borne with us! Are we unwilling to do anything? Last winter we found two fatherless children in Clinton county, who needed homes. They were not extremely destitute. They were active children, and were prospering better than some; but as they were situated, it seemed that certain ruin was before them. Mrs. W. began to talk of taking the girl and proving her, to see if she would bear a recommendation to some family more in need of her. We took her to our house. I began to plead with the brethren at the Review Office to make a printer of the boy; but as there was not much interest taken in him, I plead the harder. It proves that both are a good fit; that is, Mrs. W. never scolds, and if a dish is broken or some other accident occurs, she meets it for the present with "Never mind, and try and be careful the next time." The girl loves her, clings to her, pleads to live with her, and tries with all her power to please her. It is a good fit, because all parties try to make it so.
The boy is delighted with his new home and employment, is cheerful, active, and happy. He needs discipline and care, but is of that turn that with care and kindness he may be made a very useful hand in the Office. Yes, they seem to be a perfect fit. Lois has73been a blessing to us in this way. It has done us so much good to see that our efforts were helping the child. Those who have the care of her brother may, I trust, share the same blessing. These children need not a penny from the poor fund. They earn their way, or can fully do so in a series of years. And this is all the true happiness there is in this world. If you want to see a little hell, enter that family where nobody takes delight in making others happy. But there are just such professed Christians. If they give, it is grudgingly, and they only feel the worse for it. In fact, some have lived so long in this stingy, selfish way, that the thought of others' receiving benefit from what they do, is painful to them. It is time these go to work. There is enough for all to do. We might contribute, and fit up a home for the homeless, in some good location, and put needy orphans in the care of good hands; but this would be attended with great expense, and would serve as an excuse to many who need the care of such at their houses, to do nothing only give ten dollars now and then. We do not need such a home. A thousand little homes among our people should be opened at once, where the needy may find a cheerful welcome. Money is not so much needed at present as homes. In most cases, children and others need only a chance to help themselves. Sr. Hannah More needed a home where she could delight to help herself. For this she was fully capable. Brethren, open your doors and your hearts to the needy. Let your hearts be in the work, and yourselves become better by taking part in it. As I am in need of funds to assist those who need help, unless more convenient to send to Battle Creek, please forward funds for the Benevolent Association to Eld. James White, Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich. They will be acknowledged in the REVIEW.