p. 48 | A WORD TO THE POOR by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Nov 20, 1893

A WORD TO THE POOR.

By Editor

This present financial depression throughout the world has brought about what may emphatically be called "hard times." And this is especially true in the large cities; and the poverty and distress will doubtless increase as the season advances. At such times of depression many in the country flock to the cities,—one of the worst things, generally speaking, they could possibly do; for the number of unemployed in the cities is always greater in proportion to the whole population than in the country.

There are those of our faith, and others who profess to be for the loaves' sake, who seem to think that in times of depression, such as we are now passing through, work or help may be obtained in a city like Oakland, where there are large churches. It is true that we have a fairly large church in Oakland, but most of its members are poor. Very few indeed own the house in which they live. They are dependent on their weekly wages for the support of themselves and families. A large number of those connected with our office of publication are apprentices. Such a church has all the poor of its own it can well provide for. Oakland church has not only its own poor, but those who have come here from other churches, till the burden is indeed heavy, besides the constant calls for help from the outside world. The advice of the Signs to everyone is, Do not come to Oakland or San Francisco unless you are assured of work before coming, or are able to live without work. The opportunities for working even for one's board are few indeed.

Another word: Economize. If you have useless or hurtful habits, leave them off. Do you drink habitually, or at all? Leave it off for the sake of wife and children. Do you use tobacco? Quit it; it is better for you and all around you. Tea and coffee are not foods; and you are better without them. Purchase that which is good, wholesome, and cheap. Do your part as God bids you and he will do his. And let all those who have abundance remember the poor.