Medical Work in Philadelphia
By A. J. Read
IN last week’s issue an account was given by Elder Daniells of the meeting convened by the Pennsylvania Conference with a view to taking up sanitarium and medical work in the city of Philadelphia. The importance of this third city in the Union as an educational center is, perhaps, one of the reasons why the Testimonies have indicated the necessity of having the work represented creditably here. There are gathered together in this city students from all parts of the world, including Japan, China, Russia, New Zealand, Africa, India, and in fact almost every country of note upon the face of the globe. The educators of these people are for the most part permanent residents of this city, who through physicians and also by direct contact come in touch with our work at the sanitarium, and often recommend others to come to us for treatment and help. Only a short time ago the writer19met a young man from Australia who had come to this country on the same boat with some of our brethren, and already had a favorable impression of the work we are doing as a people. He seemed pleased to know that we had a work here. Two young ladies from Australia called at the office the other day, and stated that they saw our name in the telephone book, and as they had known of our work favorably in Australia, felt as if they could come to us and ask for advice as they would of a countryman or relative. These young ladies are taking up studies in the city, and it is to be hoped that they can be helped in many ways, as well as receiving some fostering care from the institution. Similar instances occur frequently, showing the importance of an established work in this locality. The interest taken in our work by four of the best physicians in this city, who are also prominent educators in connection with three of the leading medical institutions here, is also a great encouragement to us. These men are sending patients to us, and are pleased with the institution and its work. Already the beginning of the work has drawn together a good-sized constituency, and the prospect before us is certainly encouraging. It seems proper that our Pennsylvania Conference should feel a desire to be more closely connected with this important work, and take steps to incorporate it in such a way that it will be very closely in touch with the brethren of this conference. Their financial inability to establish the work on a permanent footing makes the undertaking very embarrassing to them, but we believe that the importance of the field, the wonderful missionary opportunities afforded, and the Christian character of the work that is being accomplished, and can be accomplished, will appeal to the hearts of our brethren everywhere, and that they will come up to the help of the Lord in this important center. Already there has been generous response from some individuals according to their ability. The work has been started in faith, and there will be need of funds in the near future to meet the obligations which will arise. We trust that our brethren will stand by those who are putting their lives and best efforts into this work, and that the necessary means for carrying on successfully this important enterprise will be readily donated. If our brethren will thus co-operate with the workers here, I am sure there are a number of faithful souls, who, having received special training for this work, will give their lives to augment the means given, and thus carry into faithful and successful accomplishment the work of the right hand of the message in this great city of medical societies and educational institutions.