"Blindness only separates a man from Nature, but the loss of
hearing also isolates him, more or less, from human companionship.
As a natural consequence, the deaf are apt to lose interest in the
social life around them, and to grow discontented, suspicious, and
morose. You and I know beautiful examples to the contrary,--persons
so patient, brave, and uncomplaining amidst their heavy
tribulation, so sunny of temper and full of human kindness, that
they are a constant inspiration and joy to us. Yet theirs is a hard
struggle, to remain true and sweet and Christian with such fearful
odds against them in the journey of life."
_February 27._ Am becoming quite interested in missionary work in
Ravenna, Ohio.
"We scatter seeds with careless hand,
And dream we ne'er shall see them more;
But for a thousand years
Their fruit appears,
In weeds that mar the land,
Or healthful store."
_March 13._ To-day is my forty-sixth birthday, and I am about
ready, or rather have resolved, to open a Circulating Library in
the church, as quite a number are in favor of it. We organized our
Women's Auxiliary Conference last Tuesday, of a rainy day: Mrs.
Fayette Smith, President; Mrs. Alice Williams Brotherton,
Vice-president; Fannie Field, Treasurer and Recording Secretary;
Miss Ellis, Corresponding Secretary; Executive Committee (with the
above), Mrs. Davies Wilson, Miss Elizabeth D. Allen.
The foundation of the Circulating Library was Miss Ellis's own
collection of religious books. Book lovers know what this sacrifice
would have been to a less generous nature, one less intent on helping
others. Additions were made by gifts from individuals and authors, and
by Miss Ellis's occasional purchase of some book whose need she felt,
until the library now numbers over one hundred and thirty volumes. These
books were loaned at church, and by mail all over the country.
A letter to Rev. A. A. Livermore reveals the brisk, happy, and
business-like Miss Ellis of the later years, with her hands at last full
of work for her denomination. It also records the advent of her first
correspondent, Mr. Julius Woodruff.