Chapter 3—As a Neighbor

When the lawyer came to the Saviour, asking the way to eternal life, the conversation turned to man’s relationship to his fellow men. In response to the question, “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus told the story of the good Samaritan, leading to the unmistakable conclusion that a true neighbor is one who does what he can to help those about him in need. Acts of neighborly kindness, of course, are not usually matters of record, and yet we do find references here and there which help us to understand that, as defined in the parable, James and Ellen White strove to be good neighbors.EGWMR 106.1

The earliest day-by-day diary of Ellen White in our possession antedates institutional and conference organization and the choosing of a denominational name. This little book, dated 1859, carries records of a period soon after Elder and Mrs. White were situated in their own home in Battle Creek, Michigan. The entry of January 2 records the giving of a cloak and a dress to a sister in need, and the entry for the next day reveals that Mrs. White was furnishing work to needy sisters. Two days later, January 5, although pressed hard in preparing for an extended journey, she was urged to go to the stores and help in selecting “some things for Roxanna.”EGWMR 106.2

The next day we find her giving “a half-worn dress” for the needy mother of a girl employed in their home, and in this connection is the exclamation, “May the Lord have mercy upon the needy!” Among the many diary entries we find frequent mention of providing for the destitute. Here is one for a certain Tuesday:EGWMR 106.3

“Walked to the office. Called to see Sister Sarah (Belden) and mother. Sarah gave me a little dress and two aprons for Sister Ratel’s babe. I rode down to the city and purchased a few things. Bought a little dress for Sister Ratel’s babe. Came to the office, assisted them a little there and then came home to dinner. Sent the little articles to Sister Ratel. Mary Loughborough sends her another dress, so she will do very well now.EGWMR 106.4

“Oh, that all knew the sweetness of giving to the poor, of helping do others good and making others happy. The Lord open my heart to do all in my power to relieve those around me!—give me to feel my brother’s woe!“—March 1, 1859.EGWMR 106.5

Turning the pages of this time—worn little book, we find many entries indicating acts of neighborly kindness. April 21, after speaking of her writing and of sympathy of certain church members for a needy family, we find the words, “We have contributed a mite for their relief, about seven dollars. Purchased them different things to eat, and carried it to them.”EGWMR 106.6