My experience in Dispensary work began about the middle of June 1890. For a year I had been saying (I believe sincerely) "Here am I" Lord, send me; yet when this work opened before me, and I stood face to face with it, I could only say: "Not my will but thine." It was not the path I would have chosen. I had learned from one who had had experience, what it means to open and hold a Dispensary at this time (that is, as much as one can learn from another's experience).
I attended the Association in New York; and just before my return home I said to my teacher, who was going in another direction: "Are you not going to say some thing to me about that dispensary?" Her answer came, clear and decided: "I cannot tell you anything about it. You must go higher." I said, "I want to do what is right." Her reply was: "I know you do, and you will be shown the way." And with the thought of Love, trust and assurance that came to me with those words I rested, knowing that Divine Wisdom could and would decide every thing for me. I gave the subject no thought after this, until one morning, a few days after my return home, I found myself making preparations for going into the Dispensary, as naturally as though I had never thought of anything else. I went to one of our number, and began talking about the work, at which she remarked, "Then you have decided to take it up?" "Oh yes," I answered, feeling and knowing that I had nothing to do with that decision. So I went on willingly, submissively, glad to do His will, but I cannot say joyfully.
We had secured very pleasant rooms in a good location; and though for a time the work seemed to progress slowly, I can see now how the thought was changing all the time. Every day brought hard work; claims of error arising constantly that must be met and overcome. But every hour of earnest, faithful work brought its sure reward. We commenced our Sunday services right away, taking up the lessons in the Quarterly. We had a very good attendance, and it has increased slowly, but surely.
