THE CHRISTIAN'S PRIVILEGE—TO HELP THE POOR.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 162, 9 July 1907, Page 7

THE CHRISTIAN'S PRIVILEGE—TO HELP THE POOR.

CTo the Editor.) Sir,--To-night I had tea at the home of a friend, and after the meal was over the mother sat at the piano and sung, before the bairns were put to bed. The little ones selected "Jesus loves mc," after singing which they went to bed happy. Evidences of love were all around them, and while I sat I contrasted some other homes that were known to mc, where children of similar ages live, but where, alas, the surroundings are very different. It ia equally true that Jesus loves them also, but the parents, either by inability or indifference, have failed to reflect the Master's love; or, at any rate, have not surrounded their children with the usual evidences of it. But the evidences of Jesus' love should bft theirs, and this winter they sorely need it, for sickness has abounded in an unusual degree, which, together with the inflated values of necessary articles of food, have contributed hardships amongst people who can usually manage fairly well without outside help. ,/ •

Within the last few weeks, I have met with very many families which have been so situated, in addition to others whose position might almost be described as "chronic poverty," and t£e demands upon mc have been urgent in the extreme. la some cases six and seven children in the one home have been laid up by one of the many contagions which have afflicted Auckland this winter; and tEisof coarse, necessitates the mothers being in constant attendance instead of earning , food for the children, therefore this sickness not only cats off the ™mw of supplies, but also pntwls many extra necessaries.'

I always try to tell of Christ's kwe cheer the poor and help the sinful, but when the person addressed is. reduced byj want and wasting disease, car when the house is fall oi children -who are urgently needing nourishment, boots and clothing, this alone seems mockery, and the thought often comes to mc "How thveileth the love of God in you if yon fail to supply their pressing needs?" I wisfti to do this and, therefore, I appeal to the generous readers of your paper to conr tribute the necessary money, food,, clotting, firing, etc

When investigation proves the worthiness of a person, we always endesTonc to assist without respect either to caste or creed, and we base this appeal ca tihe same broad principle. The religk»3 -convictions of your readers will greatly, vary, but I appeal not to 3 section but to all who respect Christ's teachings, and ask them to assist us in carrying evidences of His love to those who are sorry, sick or needy, especially amongst the children.

Will those who are wflfing to assist please communicate with onr treasurer, Mr Herbert E. Pacey, care N.Z. Dairy Association, Wellesley-etreet, or with

Yonrs truly, SISTER KENNETH, Auckland Methodist Mission, late Helping Hand Minion, Rose-road, Grey Lynn.