A Remarkable Growth by W. H. Smith

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 8, 1908

A Remarkable Growth

By W. H. Smith

No one can fail, as he looks over the pages of our periodicals, to observe that there is a general growth through all the departments of our work. The colleges report an increase of students over last year, and some are so crowded as to be scarcely able to find room. The publishing work shows almost double the receipts for 1907. Surely the Lord has put his hand to the work, and is now pushing it forward to completion.

Speaking in behalf of the work of the Pennsylvania Sanitarium at Philadelphia, I can only report for the last six or seven weeks. We have felt that the Testimonies are correct when they say, "Every worker, from the one in the highest position to the one in the position most humble, should be telling on the side of truth." In the sanitarium work we have endeavored to impress this upon the minds of the workers; and they have been glad to press on, doing thorough, conscientious, consecrated work.

We have had some very encouraging experiences, and after coming here we felt the need of having some friends among the physicians of Philadelphia, to whom we might go for consultation.

A case came to us requiring such advice, and I pleaded with God to open the way for me to go to one prominent man and ask his assistance. My interview with this man was most pleasant, and he offered his services in all cases. For those who were poor, he would come just the same, and freely give his time. Indeed, this was but the beginning of our blessings; the house began to fill up, and patients came in by threes and fours a day, engaging rooms or looking for treatment.

Our increase over one year ago tonight (September 23) has been remarkable. At that time, we had one patient who paid twelve dollars a week. Tonight we have patients and friends, twenty in number, with a weekly income of over $300. These figures do not include the income from operations and the many outside cases we have every week.

The new nurses’ class is just forming, and we hope to train efficient workers in this department.

We trust God will guide us at every step, using us in a humble way to carry on this blessed work.

W. H. SMITH, M. D., Superintendent Pennsylvania Sanitarium.