[2] Deaconesses, Rev. J. S. Howson, D.D., p. 81.
[3] Refer back to [page 23], chapter ii, where it can be found.
[4] Der Armen und Kranken Freund, August Heft, 1888.
[5] Woman’s Work in the Church, p. 273, J. M. Ludlow. A. Strahan, London, 1866.
[6] Denkschrift zur Jubelfeier, p. 215.
CHAPTER VII.
OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS ON THE CONTINENT.
In a book of these dimensions no exhaustive historical account can be given of all the developments of the deaconess movement in the various countries on the Continent. Only a few of the leading houses can be spoken of, but through a knowledge of these we can gain an insight into the life and characteristics of the movement as a whole.
The mother-house at Strasburg is one of the oldest ones, dating from 1842. It owes its origin to the holy enthusiasm and life experiences of Pastor Härter, who exercised a deep religious influence in the city where he lived. In 1817, when he was a young man of twenty, the great Strasburg hospital was re-organized. The six to eight hundred patients were divided according to their religious faith. To the Catholics were assigned as nurses Sisters of Charity. For the Protestants there were paid women nurses.
The magistrates appealed to the pastors to find098/94 at least two Protestant women of experience and ability to oversee the nurses, but the most persistent search in the various churches of Strasburg failed to procure suitable candidates. Years afterward, when death entered Härter’s family circle, and his life became clouded and darkened, he was called as a pastor to the largest church in Strasburg. He entered upon his new pastorate with a heart heavy and sad, and not until after ten months of struggle, in which the depths of his soul were stirred, did he come forth strong, confident, and positive as never before that “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” Henceforth there was force to his life, conviction in his words, and never-ceasing energy in good works.