Most Poor Could Help Themselves—There are very few in our land of plenty who are really so poor as to need help. If they would pursue a right course, they could in almost every case be above want. My appeal to the rich is, Deal liberally with your poor brethren, and use your means to advance the cause of God. The worthy poor, those who are made poor by misfortune and sickness, deserve your special care and help. “Finally be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another; love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” 1 Peter 3:8. —Testimonies for the Church 1:481. (WM 202.1) MC VC

Observe the Golden Rule—God often raises up someone who will shield the poor from being placed in positions that will be loss to them, even if it be given to their disadvantage. This is the duty of man toward his fellow man. To take advantage of a man’s ignorance because he cannot discern the outcome of a course of action is not right. It is the duty of his brother to personally set the matter plainly and faithfully before him, in all its bearings, lest he shall act blindly, and cripple the resources justly his. When men observe the golden rule, “Do unto others as ye would that they should do unto you”(Matthew 7:12), many difficulties now existing would be quickly adjusted.—Letter 85, 1896. (WM 202.2) MC VC