vor of the great, especially the
condescending kindness of our late Sovereign, he took as a gift
from the King of kings, who allowed his own work to be thus
promoted. He strenuously avoided all personal distinction, and
never wore the order which had been sent him; 'for a servant of
the Church,' he said, 'there should be but one order--the Cross
of the Lord.'"
[45] _Der Armen und Kranken Freund_, August, 1888.
[46] _Denkschrift zur Jubelfeier_, pp. 248, 249.

CHAPTER VIII.

DEACONESSES IN GERMAN METHODISM.

The good results of the work of deaconesses in the other Protestant
bodies of Germany doubtless had their influence upon German Methodism.
As far back as 1868 in Wurtemberg, and later in Frankfort, some
preachers introduced parish deaconesses for the care of the sick; but
well-directed efforts, and unity in management, were lacking.

The existing association was started July 8, 1874, under the title of
"Bethanienverein," or the Bethany Society, through the efforts of
several members of the German Conference, among whom were Rev. G. Weiss,
who, with two deaconesses, initiated the work in Bremen, Rev. Frederick
Eilers, the present inspector, and Rev. G. Hausser, who for several
years was president of the board of direction, and now resides in
America.[47] A further number of ministers showed themselves inclined to
stand by the society, both by their influence and through contributions
taken in their churches, so that in 1876 the first trained deaconesses
were set at work in the city of Frankfort.

As has been said,[48] the little institution in its early days had to
pass through a series of critical experiences, as a young child has to
encounter the series of childhood diseases that assail it; but it
outlived them all, and is now enjoying a vigorous youth. It was but
another illustration of the truth that all beginnings are difficult, and
that successful experience has to be bought by overcoming hinderances
and obstacles.

To-day there is no branch of German Methodism more successfully and
substantially incorporated into the Church life than the deaconess
society, and none that wins greater favor among those outside of
denominational lines.

The first printed report was issued in October, 1884. In this the
inspector says: "Our society is now in three cities, Frankfort, Hamburg,
and Berlin, and our sisters are not able to meet all the demands upon
them for se