Saved to Serve by Harriet S. Maxson, M.D.

Pacific Press Publishing Association · Mountain View, California · Aug 15, 1911

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 38, No. 32.

Saved to Serve

By Harriet S. Maxson, M.D.

[[FIGURE]] # LETTERS TO A DAUGHTER By Harriet S. Maxson, M.D.

[[FIGURE]] ## Saved to Serve MY DEAR CHILD,—

Your last letter was the dearest of all the budget, all of which have been most sweet to me. This one has brought me greater comfort because I read between the lines a betrayal of your inmost heart's desire, the aim and purpose, unformulated, probably all unknown to yourself. I recognize that these years of training, together with your mother's unceasing prayer, have wrought out in your heart one all-absorbing motive, and that is, service. I have been looking for this. You are just beginning to outline the vision which has so far been concealed in mist. Make now, my dear one, a solemn vow; with Paul say to your Master you will "not be disobedient to the heavenly vision."

You seem to be troubled as to the particular way you will give this service. Leave that to Him. He has promised to lead those who will follow even the Lord of heaven, who pleased not Himself, but whose life was one of ministry. You remember that on the last meeting with His disciples He said, So ought ye to serve one another. All you need to concern yourself about is that your heart's purpose be kept single. You know the promise to those who hunger and thirst after righteousness that "they shall be filled." In this case the right thing at all times will be the only thing in evidence. We will never waver, or fail to discern between right and wrong, when our vision is unclouded and our thirst is for unadulterated righteousness. And so, dear one, it will be with your service,—it will come to you as you walk along the path of duty that lies nearest to you. "In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thy hand; for thou knowest not which shall prosper, either this or that." Despise not the little things of life. It is only the few that stand out in bold relief before the eyes of men as having served in larger ways. The moment one begins to be ambitious to that end, he cuts off the source of his power. In our service, self must be left out of sight, else the service will fall flat. Such is the immutable law of the Master. The real work of the world is done by the rank and file of the unknown. Only follow where He leads, and He will give you all that your developing powers can perform.

Is it not sweet to contemplate that there is no limit to the development of the human mind and heart under the leadership of the Master? So again I say, Do not despise the day of small things. Many a life ship has been turned in its course by the obstruction of a smile or a kindly word, and so saved from destruction. Learn to be thoughtful. Do the little things that present themselves. You may not be naturally quick to see the opportunity; but with the heart filled with the service idea, you will find yourself growing more sensitive to the needs, large and small, of those about you. Only never quench an impulse, whatever the personal sacrifice. Do you remember how the Saviour said they that follow after should know the truth?—that they that will to do the will of the Master should know the way? He spoke a universal law—His law. When we listen to the still small voice, the voice grows louder. When we do its bidding it speaks oftener. And thus, my child, you will find your own life unfolding as day after day you are true to your calling. Isn't it a beautiful thought to know that this all reacts on our own character, to make it more beautiful and strong and ourselves more happy? How munificent are our Father's plans for all His children!

The world is made up of two classes of people; the care takers and the care makers. The world's burdens are really carried on the shoulders of the few. It is true that if you have a piece of work to be done, and you ask the very busy man or woman to help you, you will get ready response. The selfish person is engrossed in his own little world, doing what you do on the side before you take up your business. He has no time. The large class who are so busy doing nothing either for themselves or for others, will have neither time nor inclination to help you; or if by chance they should catch the inspiration of helpfulness for a moment, the power will be lacking.

[[FIGURE]] Do you remember how the Master took from the unprofitable servant the one talent he had hid, and gave to him who at first had five, but by their use had gained another five? Thus did the Great Teacher strive to show us the importance of using our gifts of time, means, and talents, lest they be taken from us.

It is a universal law that nature abhors a useless thing, and sets at work to remove it. Therefore, my dear, if you will be numbered among the helpers and not the helpless, if you would carry and not be carried, if you would be a leader and not a trailer, you must learn to make use of your powers. You must learn to plan for yourself. Do not wait for some one else to plan for you. Plan for yourself, and then execute your plans with perseverance and exactness. Press right on until you bring things to pass.

Get something for yourself out of every circumstance of life, no matter how trivial. Even tho it be a hindrance or an obstacle, use it as a stepping-stone. Keep a steady eye, a single purpose. Don't forget, and don't be side-tracked. If you find you are losing hold and weakening, read the lives of those who have had an aim and have achieved results.

This year's work as district nurse has given you an insight into "the other side of life." It is good for you in many ways to have had the experience. This plan of giving to the poor the skill and service of trained nurses is one of the great philanthropies of recent times. In your ministering, my dear, your hands and your time will be filled with things to be done and given; but do not forget that which is most important of all to cultivate,—that power of the heart which feels another's experience.

Ask God to give you skill in comfort's art, That you may consecrated be, and set apart Unto a life of sympathy. For heavy is the weight of ill in every heart, And comforters are needed much Of Christlike touch.

Sympathy of the right sort does not foster weakness or selfishness, but is as bracing as the west wind. Strive for that larger sympathy which is the gift of larger souls, who can embrace the masses, loving those who are not lovable in themselves. Seek that true culture which is as bread and meat to a hungry world. Lowell makes his Christ say: Who gives himself with his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor, and Me.

Thus will you better be able to bring the famishing soul to the "fountain of life." For unless you do this, your work will after all be in vain. Some one has said: Be noble, and the nobleness that lies In other men, sleeping, but never dead, Will rise in majesty to meet thine own.

Indeed, it will be a most beautiful revelation to you to witness the transformation that will come to a soul benumbed by discouragement, poverty, and evil association, when you bring to it the contact of your own life full of high and noble thoughts.

May every soul that touches mine, Be it the slightest contact, get therefrom some good, Some little grace, one kindly thought, One aspiration yet unfelt, one bit of courage For the darkening night, one gleam of faith To brave the thickening ills of life, One glimpse of brighter sky beyond the gathering mist, To make life worth while, And heaven a heritage.

Above all things do not permit the contact with suffering to make you careless or indifferent. There is a beautiful prayer which has fallen into my hands, written for the nurses of one of the great hospitals of New York. The framer of it I am sure had learned some of the blessedness of true service. I will send you a copy.

O Great Physician and pitying Father, guard, cherish, and consecrate, we beseech Thee, the gracious seed of a divine compassion, implanted within the hearts of these Thy handmaidens, by Thy tenderness and care. Let no use, no custom, no commonness of suffering, dim the luster of its gracious healing power. Let no haste, no weariness, no thought of gain, no care of self, mar its perfect manifestation. Train Thou, O Lord, Thy children in the sacred gift of sympathy. May its soft footfalls echo ever in the wake of skill of hand and brain. Teach us its myriad and subtile ways of easing pain, its tireless patience, its brooding love and care. Teach us to do Thy work in fear and gladness, and give us daily peace. Amen.

And so, dear child, you will find each day your portion of the world's work awaiting you. Just now that portion lies in the heart of your home, and we anxiously await your coming. Your loving Mother.