AT THE HEALTH INSTITUTE.
By A. R. Hutchins
Five weeks since, I left Vermont for Battle Creek, which place I reached in 46 hours from the time I took the cars at Montpelier, Vermont. And though considerably worn with the journey, as I had no sleep for two nights, only what came to my relief through such accommodations as the car-seat afforded, yet I was able to attend our excellent Conference, which I shall ever call to mind with unfeigned delight and lively gratitude. I think we may safely say it was a season of profit and encouragement to all. Others have spoken of its beneficial results, but not too highly. Such has been the state of my health since last August, and especially the past spring, that I had but one hope left of ever enjoying a suitable degree of health and strength again to perform any amount of labor mentally or physically; and that was to avail myself of the benefits of treatment at some good Health Institute for a period of time. I therefore came to this Institute on the 21st ult. There is much here to make the sick person feel that he is at home, and with real friends. The surrounding prospects are pleasing and cheerful. Physicians and attendants give unmistakable proof by their watchful care and persevering labor that their interests are absorbed in the work of curing the sick. While there seems to be a desire throughout the large circle of patients on the part of each one to do all in his power to help on the recovery of the others. Relative to the prospect of receiving material benefit from rest and treatment here, the physicians speak encouragingly, provided I remain long enough. One important consideration in curing the sick, is the amount of vitality and the recuperative powers which the patient has left to rely upon. Therefore the process of regulating the system, and building up the long-affected, nervous dyspeptic, must necessarily be a slow one. Nature, long-wearied and overtaxed nature, will not rally and spring into action like the spirited horse, urged forward with whip and spur. No, she will have her time to work in; for she works by wise and fixed laws, and when her work is done, it is well done. But it is proper, and I certainly esteem it a privilege, to hereby gratefully acknowledge the unexpected aid from my dear brethren and sisters in Vermont, through whose advice and beneficence I have been placed where I may not only reap the benefits of a cessation of care and labor, but also the benefits of the Hygienic school and treatment at this Institute for a season. When I decided last March that it was duty to put forth an effort in this direction for the recovery of my health, if it should please God to bless the means to this end, I resolved with the consent of my wife, to sell our comfortable home, which cost $400.00 one year since, and raise the means to defray my expenses. But to this proposal the brethren objected. They emphatically said, No. And that they meant what they said, the receipts from their liberal hands acknowledged in another column satisfactorily attest. For this act of kindness to one so unworthy, may they each and all share largely of Heaven's blessing, and finally reap the reward of a life of obedience, in the kingdom of God. I humbly beg an interest in the prayers of the dear saints, that God may bless the means in use for the recovery of my health, that I may yet labor and suffer in the precious cause of Him who has crowned my life with manifold blessings. And may we all finally be gathered to that world where the inhabitants shall not say, “I am sick.” Health Reform Institute, June 13, 1867.