Remembering the Poor: Distinguishing God's Work from Devil's Schemes

Good men do not always think alike. When they differ, it is commonly from ignorance and want of mutual explanation; and therefore when their understandings are informed, as their hearts were right before, they are like so many drops of water on a table—when they touch they run into one. Such was the case in Jerusalem: a difference among the brethren concerning the missions of Peter and Paul, but none about the duty of remembering the poor. On that all agreed.

Who are the poor to be remembered? Distinguish between the vagrant poor and the resident poor. Vagrants are generally the least entitled to succour, being lazy and not disposed to work when opportunity is offered. The resident poor have these claims: (1) they are neighbours; (2) their cases can be searched out, and impositions detected; (3) your bounty is known, and it ought to be known—not to extol you, but to honour your religion, recommend the gospel, and glorify Elohim.

More critically, distinguish between God's poor and the devil's poor. In helping the latter while they continue what they are, you aid the beer-house, the gin-shop, licentiousness, and every evil. Save them first from their sin, then from their suffering.

Why remember the poor? You keep the best company. You obey Divine authority. The poor are your brethren. By God's eternal law, giving is the way to thrive (Psalm 41:1-3). How? Through compassion and readiness to relieve. When? When you prosper, when you suffer, when you die.