We often see reports in our publications of the work of the factory and circulation departments of our publishing houses, but we seldom see anything about the mailing department. In the Review and Herald Office this is one of the most important, hard-working corners of the institution. It is under the direction of Brother D. W. Reavis, manager of the periodical department. In this department our papers and magazines are wrapped, addressed, distributed, and put in the proper mail-bags ready for the train.
Each week we send out about sixteen thousand copies of the Review and fifteen thousand of the Youth's Instructor; and on an average monthly about forty thousand of Life and Health, sixteen to twenty thousand of the Protestant, nearly ten thousand of the Sabbath School Worker, ten to fifteen thousand of Liberty, and several thousand of Education and Temperance Instructor, and over ten thousand sets of Memory Verse Cards each quarter.
This has been a specially busy season for our mailing department. In addition to the regular work, which has prospered, these faithful workers have handled the General Conference Bulletin, nearly fifteen thousand copies daily for three weeks, and now for fully two months have had in hand the Harvest Ingathering Review.
We invite the reader to undertake, by a little careful figuring, to understand what it means to a department already carrying full work to count, wrap in bundles, mail, and send away half a million copies of a large magazine like this special number. Before mailing day, four hundred thousand copies were ready.
The entire edition makes ten thousand bundles with fifty copies in each.
Photo by R. L. Hendrick
ONE OF THE FIFTY TRUCK-LOADS OF HARVEST INGATHERING REVIEWS
We wish our readers could have seen them all corded up beautifully in the basement, ready to send out. In the accompanying picture we show a truck-load just starting for the post-office. The entire edition will make fifty loads like this one.
Two hundred and ninety thousand copies have been ordered up to this morning, September 22. Seventy-six thousand copies were ordered last week, and the orders are now coming in on an average of fifteen to twenty thousand copies a day.
What a beautiful movement this Harvest Ingathering work is! How much of really eternal value is comprehended in our people's distributing this magazine and collecting funds for foreign missions!
In our office, in every department, our prayers go up to God daily that he will bless his people in this great work; and while we are thinking of the great work being done in connection with this movement out in the harvest-field, let us also remember these busy, faithful workers who have toiled all the long, hot summer, getting these papers ready for our use. When the great work is finished, all who have had a part in it, whether in the publishing houses or out in the streets going from door to door, will have part in the reward.
E. R. PALMER, Manager,
The Virginia Camp-Meeting
By B. G. WILKINSON
IN the city of Portsmouth, on the shore of the Atlantic, within sight of the great harbor of Hampton Roads, the encampment was arranged. The attendance from the churches was small, but there was a good attendance from the city.
We were glad to note the evidences of strength which are coming into the work in Virginia. Good, stable people are accepting the truth, and the message is gaining ground among the homes of solid worth. We firmly believe that if a good force of laborers could now be put into Virginia, the work of the conference would be put upon a solid basis.
There was a good spirit in the camp meeting. The blessing of God was present in great measure. The report of the president, Elder W. J. Stone, told of over one hundred who had accepted the truth during the preceding year, of an increase of $1,000 in tithe during 1912, and of a like increase during the first six months of 1913. During 1912 there was also an increase of sixty per cent in foreign mission offerings over the amount raised in 1911.
All the workers in the State are of good courage, and expect 1913 to be the best year in the history of the work in the State. Elders W. W. Prescott, J. N. Anderson, and D. C. Babcock, and the Columbia Union men formed the force of workers from the outside.
B. G. WILKINSON.
The Ohio Camp-Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
As last year the annual conference and camp-meeting of Ohio were in the northern part of the State, this year it was decided to hold them at Hamilton, in the southern part of the State, August 21-31. The attendance was not so large as the year previous, no doubt the cause being found partly in the fact that quite a number of the brethren had attended the General Conference and partly in the fact that Ohio had suffered millions of dollars' worth of damage by the floods which swept the State in mid-winter and early spring.
This did not diminish, however, the earnest spirit of the meeting. I think it was one of the most enthusiastic assemblies ever held in the union. There was quite a large number of new converts to the truth on the grounds. There were several present who were in the valley of decision. Following the night on which the Sabbath question was presented, the writer heard of about seven persons who had decided to keep the Sabbath. The attendance from the city was large, the people giving good attention and being deeply stirred by the truths presented from the pulpit. We believe that an excellent impression was made upon the city of Hamilton, Ohio.954
The business of the conference passed off harmoniously. Everything was handled well and all questions were attended to promptly and carefully. The annual reports, both of the president and of the secretary, showed an excellent increase financially in every line. The tithe rose from $30,309 in 1911 to $36,681 in 1912. The per-capita gifts to foreign missions in 1911 amounted to $14.43 and in 1912 to $17.46. This conference is now paying 25 per cent of its tithe receipts to missions. The book work did not make as good a showing for 1912 as for 1911, but steps have been taken to remedy this condition, and Ohio looks for a very heavy report in the matter of literature sales this coming year.
Elder E. K. Slade was again elected president of the conference, with Brother H. D. Holtom secretary and treasurer of the conference and Brother J. I. Cassell secretary and treasurer of the tract society.
The Spirit of God was present in a large measure and his reviving power was greatly felt. None could doubt that the camp was greatly moved by the witness of the Spirit given to the word which was preached. Financially the conference responded to the calls which were made upon it. The gifts to foreign missions given on this camp-ground amounted to very nearly three thousand dollars.
The laborers in attendance from the outside in addition to the regular union men were Elders G. B. Thompson and D. C. Babcock, while the publishing work was represented by Brethren I. A. Ford, A. J. S. Bourdeau, and J. W. Mace.
B. G. WILKINSON.
Convention of Self-Supporting Workers
By A. W. Spaulding
The seventh annual convention of self-supporting workers in the South was opened at Madison, Tenn., August 29, for a four days’ meeting. There are now about two hundred and fifty of these workers in the Southern States, forming nearly fifty groups, most of which conduct local schools, as well as medical missionary, Christian Help, and agricultural work. While more numerous in the vicinity of the Madison school, which is the parent of the greater number, these companies are found in every State of the Southern and South-eastern Unions as well as in Cuba and Honduras. Their increasing number is evidence of our people’s heeding the call (“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VII, pages 227, 228): “Let Sabbath-keeping families move to the South, and live out the truth before those who know it not. . . . Let them do Christian Help work, feeding the hungry and clothing the naked. . . . Let these workers go from house to house, helping where help is needed, and as opportunity offers telling the story of the Cross.”
A practical outworking of this plan is illustrated in the report of one brother from Alabama, who last year established himself on a table-land a hundred miles long by twenty wide, on which there is no medical help, and up whose steep sides almost no doctor can be hired to climb. This brother had been a nurse and a pharmacist. The first day he found practise in dressing the wounded hand of our Seventh-day Adventist school-teacher near whom he settled. Immediately he was besieged by the people of the vicinity to treat their sick. He told them he was not a physician, but he could not refuse to help them as much as he could. His first case was that of a man with deep ulcers of long standing. These he treated, he prayed with the man, and forbade him to eat pork. The sores began to heal, and the man spread everywhere the fame of the “doctor” who would not let his patients eat pork.
This brother always requires those who apply to him to leave off the use of liquor and tobacco, he never fails to pray over them at each treatment, and he always points them to Christ as the real Healer. A number of really marvelous cures have been effected. He has formed on the mountain a health club of seventy-five members, who are pledged to habits of purity, cleanliness, and helpfulness. He has taught a public-school teacher and his school, principles of health; the surroundings of the school have been bettered, the pupils take daily practise in open-air exercises, and are carrying the knowledge of hygiene to their homes. Such work is looking toward the instruction contained in Volume IX, page 172: “Let little companies go forth to do the work to which Christ appointed his disciples. Let them labor as evangelists, scattering our publications, and talking of the truth to those they meet. Let them pray for the sick, ministering to their necessities, not with drugs, but with nature’s remedies, and teaching them how to regain health and avoid disease.”
Previous conventions at Madison have had in attendance brethren from sections and phases of the work not directly connected with the lay-missionary movement, and also men of the State and national governments who are in sympathy with much of the work being done by these self-supporting missionaries. But this convention was unique in being composed almost entirely of those directly engaged in the work. A representative of the State department of agriculture gave an hour’s talk one day. A letter was also read from the United States Commissioner of Education (who has visited several of the schools, and is well acquainted with the work), expressing his deep sympathy, and his regret at being unable to attend the convention. Dr. David Paulson, of the Hinsdale Sanitarium, was present nearly the whole time, and his counsels and instruction were deeply appreciated. Professors Sutherland, Magan, and Alden were almost the only other speakers, the time being given more to councils than to addresses.
A spirit of earnest seeking for more power to convert and save souls characterized this convention, and the power that came through prayer was marked in all the councils and deliberations. As we were brought face to face, seemingly, with a new crisis and a new era in our work, the spirit of solemnity, unity, and devotion became more marked, and it was the universal testimony that this meeting had been the best of all, because of the earnest seeking of God.
The difficulties and discouragements that face the self-supporting worker are peculiar in their nature and force, and a number were present whose courage was revived and strengthened for a future they had felt unable to face. Courage and good cheer were everywhere manifest, as the brethren and sisters prepared to return to their homes. These words in Volume VII, pages 242-244, are ever before us: “To those who are laboring in the South I would say: Be not discouraged by the present feebleness of the work. You have had to struggle against difficulties that have at times threatened to overcome you. But by God’s help you have been enabled to move forward. . . . Remember that prayer is the source of your strength. . . . Never let your courage fail. Never talk unbelief because appearances are against you. As you work for the Master, you will feel pressure for want of means, but the Lord will hear and answer your petitions for help. Let your language be: ‘The Lord God will help me; therefore shall I not be confounded; therefore have I set my face like a flint; and I know that I shall not be ashamed.’”
The convention for next year was set in the month of June, to avoid coming at the time of any of the Southern camp-meetings.
A. W. SPAULDING.
Pittsburgh, Pa.
By A. N. Durrant
JUNE 29 we started a series of tent-meetings in this city for the colored people. The same night two other companies began services for the white population. Failing to procure a lot in new and unworked territory, we finally pitched our tent in a vicinity where two similar efforts had been conducted some time ago. My helpers—Brother Osman Phipps, of South Lancaster Academy, and Sister Maud I. Gauntlett, of Oakwood Training-school—were inexperienced in the work, but by persistent labor and much prayer we succeeded in getting a hearing. The battle went hard, until some of us got sick from overwork. But up to August 31, when we closed, eight had decided to keep the Sabbath, and we have over sixty homes now open for Bible work, with several deeply interested. We had prayed and hoped for twenty-five souls, and though we have not achieved all, yet we hope to get our full number from the openings we have. We praise our God for what he has done for us.
August 24 I baptized two who had decided for the truth before our tent-meetings were begun. September 14 four were baptized and received into the church, and others are yet to follow.
But now our great need is a place of worship. Since the first of May, when we moved, we have been paying six dollars a month for worshiping in a Baptist church on Sabbaths only. Now that our tent-meetings are closed, we have no place for Sunday night meetings and prayer-meetings. If we remain in the Baptist church on Sabbaths, we must pay eight dollars a month rent, beginning with October. Where to go now is a problem, and much will be lost if we do not get a place for Sunday and other meetings. For the last seven years or more this little church has moved into six or seven different rented places. We have been trying to raise funds to purchase a place, but being poor and few in number, help must come from other sources, if anything is obtained.
A. N. DURRANT.
Maine Camp-Meeting
By F. M. Dana
At the forty-sixth annual session of the Maine Conference some one called attention to the time when the conference was organized, the fact that the believers to be found at that time were not many, and that only a few of those believers are living now. Brother and Sister E. C. Taylor, of Norridgewock, were the only two present who attended the first meeting, and Brother Taylor said he had not missed a meeting during the forty-six years.
The camp was not large, as many were cared for in about twenty-five rooms, but the general expression was that it was one of the best camp-meetings Maine has ever had. Surely the Bible studies were specially helpful and appreciated, some forceful and clear parallel texts and studies being given by Elder R. D. Quinn, president of the Atlantic Union Conference, and by Elder and Sister Haskell, of South Lancaster. The campers appreciated the help given by Elders Town, Starr, Jayne, and P. B. Osborne, Brethren Tolf, Bailey, and Cornforth, and Capt. J. L. Johnson. Prof. W. W. Prescott gave a series of lessons in the evening to the public on some strong subjects following the topics that had been presented in the tent-meetings previous to the camp-meeting.
Prof. B. F. Machlan and Mrs. Quinn, representing the academy, were ever busy with the youth and parents along the lines of Christian education, and we all noted the specially good meetings twice a day at the youth’s tent.
The first resolution passed was one of thanks and consecration, and the next three resolutions called to mind the loss to our work of Elder Joseph B. Goodrich, Brother B. F. Davis, and Sister Everett. Several requests came to our ministry for special remembrance in prayer for several who were ill and could not attend the meetings. We missed some of the old pilgrims who have been at the meetings in the past few years.
Resolutions well responded to were passed upon the Protestant and Liberty magazines, the Ingathering campaign, the twenty-cent-a-week plan, and the Sabbath-school, the young people’s, and the educational work. One recommendation called for some missionary institutes among the churches, another for the organization of a conference church, and one asked our churches to remember our needs by way of a tent and camp-meeting fund. But the resolution that gave considerable study and encouragement to our Maine people was the one recognizing the instruction from the spirit of prophecy regarding the work that should be done in Portland, and the invitation to Elder and Sister Haskell again to open work in Portland. We hope this may extend to many parts of the State. A campaign fund was started at the camp to assist in this special work, and $475 was donated by the small congregation present. Doubtless a much larger sum will be raised when all our churches and friends respond.
The following officers were elected: F. M. Dana, president; A. E. Everett, secretary and treasurer; M. R. Bailey, missionary secretary; Mrs. M. W. Howe, Sabbath-school secretary; Miss Jennie R. Bates, young people’s secretary; W. O. Howe, for the religious liberty work; Mrs. E. H. Walters, M. D., medical secretary; and a conference committee of seven, representing the administrative, the evangelical, and three sections of the territorial lines of the field.
Expressions of courage and hope, of strength and missionary zeal, of hearty confidence in the providences of God were heard on every hand as the campers returned to their homes.
A good and growing interest was awakened by the temperance rally the first Sunday and the meetings through the week. The editor of the weekly paper favored us with a three-column article on the principles of our faith.
F. M. DANA.
Florida
By J. P. Pegues
MIAMI.—We came to this city early last December, and pitched our tent in an excellent location. By the middle of December all things were ready. Brother Green began his course of lectures, and I acted as tent master and did some Bible work, and my wife played the organ. From the first, the interest seemed to grow, and the attendance soon became far greater than we were able to accommodate.
Miami is a new town, seventeen years old, and is growing rapidly. The population is about fifteen thousand; one third of these are colored people, most of whom are from the island of Nassau. Our tent is right in the midst of the colored district. There are six colored churches within calling distance of us. Our attendance has been good, and the basket collections have more than paid the operating expenses of our tent. We have electric lights surrounding the outside, as well as on the inside, of our tent. We also have comfortable seats.
We found six adults here who had been keeping the Sabbath before we came, but our meetings soon brought out nineteen more. Then while the meetings were closed, Brother Green having gone to Washington to attend the General Conference, four more began the observance of the Sabbath for the first time. July 1 Elder M. C. Strachan connected with the effort here, and began a new series of lectures, with the result that seven more began the observance of the Lord's Sabbath. Thus at this writing a company of thirty-six have accepted the truth, and there are more than a half-dozen others in the valley of decision, and still others inquiring for a knowledge of the truth.
Our tent has been standing since last December, but the interest to hear the lectures has not decreased. Sunday nights, when there is no rain, our seating capacity is taxed, and many stand up around the edge of the tent.
Since Elder Strachan's arrival, we have had a systematic course of lectures on the subject of health. These lectures have proved extremely popular, and have won many supporters to our principles of healthful living.
Elder Strachan also devoted one week to a series of revival sermons, talks suited to the unconverted. As a result, more than a dozen young men and women from the world attended the services each night during this series, and offered themselves for prayer that they might be converted. While all these have not yet made a complete surrender to God, two have made an open confession of Christ and are now living consistent Christian lives, and the rest have broken off some of their wicked habits and still beg an interest in the prayers of the tent workers.
One Sunday night was devoted to a special temperance rally. Our workers and most of our believers wore tiny white ribbons. Mrs. Edward T. Nelson (white), president of the local W. C. T. U., her husband, and three other temperance workers (white), were present. Mrs. Nelson delivered a stirring address to a large crowd on the spiritual, mental, and physical effects of intoxicating liquors. Several temperance recitations and songs were rendered. A lasting impression for good was made upon the audience.955
We have launched a campaign for the raising of sufficient funds to purchase a lot and build a church here, and we expect to be able to hold public worship in our new building before Christmas. Donations to this enterprise have been quite liberal, and almost the required amount has been secured.
Preparations for baptism are now being made, and by the time this report is read the baptism may be over and our church duly organized. Elder Green and I have a number of interested ones with whom we are holding readings. We ask the prayers of all that a strong church may be established at Miami.
J. P. PEGUES.
Report From Ecuador
By S. MANGOLD
I AM glad to inform the readers of the REVIEW that I recently visited a company of believers in Guabo. While there I had the privilege of adding one to the company through baptism. Others are now waiting for baptism until I visit them again. We also celebrated the Lord’s Supper while together. These brethren gave excellent testimonies, expressing their desires to be overcomers in the trials which may overtake them. Notwithstanding that these souls have been in the darkness of Catholicism for fifty years, and some even sixty years, they now are praising God for the truth which they have received.
It is especially encouraging to see how eager they are to read our Spanish literature, from the largest books to the smallest tracts. These brethren in Ecuador are poor, but they are faithful in bringing their tithes and offerings to the treasure-house of God. We ask those who read this to remember this field in their prayers. S. MANGOLD.
Medical Service at Camp-Meetings
By O. B. Kuhn
Nurses from the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium visited camp-meetings held at Corry, Pa., Hamilton, Ohio, and Charleston, W. Va.
The sick were cared for, and instruction was given in the proper treatment and prevention of disease. In public talks and private conversations extreme teachings were avoided. Healthful living was presented not as a religious requirement, or act of penance, but in its physiological relation to intellectual and spiritual development. The subject was brought before the people as taught in the “Ministry of Healing” and the Testimonies, which is witnessed to by scientific teaching. The book “Ministry of Healing” was recommended, and all were urged to study it and apply it to the daily life. This book is designed not only to bring relief to indebted sanitariums, but especially to relieve God’s suffering people who through lack of knowledge or otherwise are afflicted because of transgression of nature’s laws. Every Seventh-day Adventist should have a copy of this most practical book.
The relation between the physical, mental, and moral natures, and the effects of health and disease upon the intellectual and spiritual life were studied. The favorable influence of healthful and temperate living upon spirituality was especially noticed.
Attention was called to our sanitariums. It was shown that the first purpose in their establishment was that the sick among us might have proper care without loss to their peculiar religious faith and conduct. A place where Bible truth would be exalted and taught, and where instruction in health and hygiene could be given for the future benefit of the patient in home life. The danger, physically and spiritually, of trusting ourselves or loved ones to unchristian physicians, or to a worldly institution, was pointed out. References were made to “Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, pages 485-495, and Vol. V, pages 191-199, 439-449.
The Lord calls us out of Egypt. He is seeking to prepare a people for translation. Shall we not cooperate with him?
O. B. Kuhn.
The Maritime Conference
By George B. Starr
This meeting was held at Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, August 21-31. In company with Elder N. Z. Town, the writer reached Hopewell Cape the evening of the twenty-first, and remained until the twenty-ninth.
The conference was opened with a practical sermon by Elder J. A. Strickland, Thursday evening, the twenty-first. The other evenings were occupied by Elders Hare, Campbell, Barrett, and Strickland on points of present truth. The attendance was good.
The meetings were held in the union church, which is occupied regularly by Seventh-day Adventists and Methodists. It is a commodious and comfortable building. The delegates to the conference were entertained by the citizens and our own people in their homes, and boarded at a conference boarding-house successfully conducted by Mrs. Hare and Brother and Sister Steeves.
The Sabbath services were seasons of special blessing. On the first Sabbath a revival service followed the morning discourse, and almost if not fully the entire audience sought the Lord for an experience in victory over besetting sins; and victories were obtained. On the second Sabbath the ordinances were celebrated by the conference church, and the delegates all joined with them.
During the conference the subjects of personal work, book and tract distribution among neighbors, health reform, and spiritual gifts received special attention, and the people voted to work together to double their membership and tithe during the next year. A strong resolution practically indorsing and accepting the health reform was adopted, and the laborers at a special meeting agreed to present a united influence in their teaching and practise on the subject. This action was hearty, voluntary, and without pressure, and must result in good. The Sabbath-school report showed a very large increase in offerings to foreign missions.
Elder M. M. Hare was elected president of the conference, and being of English birth and rearing, seems well adapted to this field. Miss Lulu Van Buskirk was reelected conference secretary and treasurer, and Miss Terese Barrett secretary of the Sabbath-school department.
At the close of the Sunday night service, August 24, D. J. C. Barrett was ordained to the gospel ministry. Brother Barrett and his sister were reared in the Catholic Church. They are both happy in their new-found faith in the Word of God, and in a field of usefulness in connection with this movement.
The labors of Elder N. Z. Town in connection with the circulation of literature were especially helpful.
The entire faculty of the Williamsdale Academy was present, and a number of enthusiastic students. The school is evidently doing a good work and filling an important place in the training of workers.
Elder M. N. Campbell, president of the union, whose labors were much appreciated, was called home during the conference by the illness of his wife.
Friday evening, August 29, and Sabbath and Sunday, the thirtieth and thirty-first, we spent with the church at St. John. By request the subjects of spiritual gifts and health reform were presented. We enjoyed meeting with this faithful church and visiting many of the members in their own homes. At their Sunday night services they have a good interest, and a large attendance of those favorable to the truth.
There is certainly a hopeful outlook for the Maritime Conference, with a good school in successful operation, a number of promising young men in the ministry, and a large field for aggressive work. We greatly enjoyed our visit and labor at this conference.
GEO. B. STARR.
West Pennsylvania
By W. F. Schwartz
RIDGWAY.—On July 6, in company with Elder G. L. West, we opened our tent effort at this place. There are many Catholics. The majority of the people are Swedes and Swiss. The Americans are few, so from the first our company was not large, but those who came were regular in attendance, for which we thank the Lord.
Brother and Sister Jenks, residents of the city, had been doing some active work previous to our coming. Brother Jenks is a nurse, and so came in touch with different families. His wife, who was formerly a Bible worker in western New York, engaged in the canvassing work, and sold $370 worth of books. This afforded her many opportunities of meeting the people, and she secured a number of Bible readers. The interest in the truth which her work created caused some to do all in their power to keep people from coming to our tent. Of course this only created a desire in many to hear for themselves what we taught.
We are glad to report nine keeping the Sabbath, and about a dozen families studying with deep interest. A Sabbath-school has been organized, and since its organization the tithe and donations have amounted to $143.15.
During the first eighteen days of our tent effort we had ten rainy nights, and a severe storm which blew down one end of our large tent. In view of this, and the storm of opposition that came from those who had been prejudiced against us, we feel to praise our Heavenly Father for the good hand of providence which has protected us, for the interest created, and for the precious souls who have accepted the truth. Elder West will remain to care for the growing interests in this city, and in Shawmut and Dubois. Pray for the work in this part of the harvest-field.
W. F. SCHWARTZ.
Field Notes
SEVEN adults have accepted the truth at Connellsville, Mo.
ELDER G. J. SELTZER reports the baptism of ten persons at Nebraska City, Nebr.
SIX adults and two children have decided in favor of the truth at Carroll, Iowa.
FROM Brinton, Mich., Elder E. W. Webster reports six new believers in the third angel’s message.
ELDER J. M. CAMPBELL reports twenty-eight new Sabbath-keepers at Thelma, Va., and six have taken their stand for the truth at Portsmouth.
FIVE persons at Bucyrus, Ohio, have decided to keep the commandments of God, through the efforts of the tent company in charge of Elder H. A. Weaver. Ten or twelve others are almost persuaded to obey.
The Work of a City Visiting Nurse
By L. A. H.
ONE of our nurses, Miss June Brickey, is engaged as a visiting nurse by the Woman’s Relief Association of Miami, Fla. The report of her work suggests that this is a field of usefulness that might be occupied by others of our nurses to good advantage in presenting our health principles and methods in homes.
“I must say I love this work, and think it an ideal one for our nurses. It offers a broad field of usefulness, and furnishes many opportunities of giving spiritual help. I was asked last March to take the position; and while my experience in this line had been limited, I felt the need, and accepted the position. I am paid a monthly salary by the association, and I pay my living expenses.”
“The primary object of the association is to care for the sick who are unable to care for themselves. However, if any who are able to pay for the service rendered need a nurse for an hour or so each day, I go for the time needed, and a charge of fifty cents an hour is made. In this way the association gets a little money for running expenses. Clothing, groceries, etc., are also furnished to the destitute. If the things needed are not on hand, I usually go to some friend21of the association, or make a call for whatever is needed, and I always find some one ready with a donation.”
“I will give a case as an illustration of what we do: A family came here from the North. The father was a shoemaker, but could not find work, so found difficulty in providing for the family. Soon he was taken to the hospital sick with typhoid fever. Just as he returned home, his two little boys came down with it. The case was reported to me. I spent each afternoon caring for the boys. Just about the time they were recovering, the mother broke down completely. The association and its friends furnished food and clothing, and finally, when all were able to travel, we made up the traveling expenses, and sent them back North, where the father had work promised him. I have since had correspondence with them, and am sending them tracts and other literature.”
“I have two chronic tubercular patients, to whom I give treatment twice a week. One has been in bed nearly two years. The past week I have had for a patient a little Italian girl with cerebrospinal meningitis. The parents did not understand even the first principles of nursing. As they could understand very little of what I said, it was hard to make them understand or follow directions, so eight or ten hours were spent with the child each day for several days. They were nearly frantic with fear and grief, as this was their only living child. They pleaded with me to save her, and I tried to explain that I could not do anything except as God worked through me and answered our prayers. When at last, after four days, she aroused from her semicomatose condition, they were most grateful and very profuse in thanks, which they tried in their broken language to bestow on me. Again, I could only tell them that God alone has the power to heal. At each visit of the doctor, they tell him how much I have done. They are Catholics and understand very little of the English language, but I already have the promise that the little girl shall attend Sabbath-school with me when she gets well.”
“I often go in response to a call from some doctor. Sometimes the doctor will turn the case over to me. This has been done even in some serious cases, with perhaps an occasional visit from the doctor to see how the patient is doing and to give any needed instruction. I have distributed quite a large amount of literature on sanitation.”
“Since taking up this work I have often wondered why we could not form some general plan whereby more of our nurses could be employed in this way. Possibly it could be done by conference direction and support, or as a self-supporting work. The money received from those able to pay helps to care for those who cannot pay. The receipts are not sufficient to meet the expense, but persons interested in practical philanthropy seem glad to help. A nurse may not earn so much as she might in some other ways, but the work has other compensation. It is most enjoyable to one whose heart is in it, and as long as I am able I want to do this kind of work.”
Monthly meetings of the association are held, at which the nurse submits a report of her work. Miss Brickey has taken occasion to present some excellent principles on the importance of guarding the health, the care of the sick, etc. Her reports have been printed in full in the city paper, thus giving further publicity to health principles. L. A. H.
Walla Walla College
By E. C. Kellogg
WALLA WALLA COLLEGE opened this year under favorable circumstances and with prospects for a very successful year. The attendance has considerably increased over last year. The faculty is strong and well organized, and the students are young men and young women with a purpose to do their best in the work of the message. Though due attention is given to the social side of life, the industrial lines are strongly encouraged, and thoroughness is cultivated in the various branches of study, yet the spiritual interests are made first. An excellent devotional meeting was held the first Friday evening after the school opened. The chapel was well filled with students, and some friends from the village. Some way these Friday evening meetings are always the best. Every one was blessed with the presence and help of the Holy Spirit. A Bible lesson was presented on the subjects of prayer, Bible study, avoiding criticism, and patience. A beautiful card in blue and gold had been prepared at the printery, containing the following:—
When this was presented, all who would join in the plan were asked to stand, and so far as could be seen from the rostrum every one arose. Following that a call was made for such to stand as felt they needed special help and desired the prayers of their associates for a successful Christian life. About twenty responded to this call. Earnest prayer was offered by Elder O. A. Johnson, and as those present left the room a card was given to each one, to be signed and kept as a remembrance of the purpose expressed. It is the general feeling that this year will be the best in the history of the school.
