ANOTHER WORD TO THE POOR.
By Editor
This is a hard winter already. The prospect is that matters will be much worse before spring. There are thousands suffering now in our great cities for want of proper food, fuel, and clothing. Many in the country are in need; but let us say to them, Do not go to the city in the hope of bettering your condition, unless you know you can obtain employment before starting. There are, it is true, many in the cities obtaining good wages, but no employer wishes to turn off a good hand in order to employ a stranger; and there are many strangers. Those in the country, in most places, are able to get something to eat, and have enough to do at least to earn their bread, but there are thousands in our great cities, good workmen too, who cannot obtain work for board. One can get along with much cheaper clothing in the country than in the city, and be considered respectable, and this is worthy of consideration. Of course there are some places in the country worse than the cities, but we are persuaded that they are few and far between. Economize. Do not spend all of the dollar to-day, if it is not needed; save for to-morrow. If it is needed, use it, do your best, and trust God for more. Forsake every useless, foolish, and hurtful habit. Drop off the whisky, beer, tobacco, tea, and coffee. They do no good; they do much harm. Use those foods which are best fitted to go fartherest and to nourish most. Prepare them in the most healthful way possible, and eat them with thankful heart. Let those who have abundance remember the poor. They are God's heritage; he will repay. But let them be remembered wisely, not in a way to induce dependence, but to encourage independence, self-reliance, and faith in God. Help them to help themselves. Give them good instruction, patiently, kindly. Let all our readers who are able to, be missionaries for God in these times of need, ministering to body and soul of the dark and destitute. Thus will all realize the preciousness of the words of the needy's Friend, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."