A Missionary Item by Bessie Cowles

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · May 9, 1878

FromReview and Herald, Supplement to Vol. 51, No. 19

A Missionary Item.

By Bessie Cowles

One pleasant afternoon last March, I took passage on a Southern-bound train for the quiet little town of S. About midway of the coach I noticed a gentleman supporting an emaciated lady. Feeling deeply for her, as she reminded me forcibly of my own condition four years ago when I left home for our good Sanitarium, given up by my friends to die, I determined to speak with her. I found a vacant seat in front of a lady friend who has an invalid daughter, and solicited her to subscribe for the REFORMER, with the Manual as a premium. The lady and gentleman above referred to seemed to be interested in our conversation, so I passed them a Manual, which they thankfully received.

At this point a news boy came along and abruptly told me that I was not to interest passengers with reading matter, and that I was infringing upon his rights. Feeling embarrassed by his incivility, I took my books from the gentleman; but before I left the car he gave me his address for the REFORMER and took the Manual. He resides in Mississippi. So here is an opportunity for sending a copy of the SIGNS accompanied with a missionary letter.

My old friend also gave me her name as a subscriber for the REFORMER.

Bessie Cowles