RECEPTION AND IMPRESSIONS AT BATTLE CREEK.
By S. M. S.
Ten hours on the cars measured the distance from a station in southern Wisconsin to Battle Creek. Noting, only for a moment, the very business-like air of the vicinity, we started on a pleasant street toward the point of our destination. The short walk of a mile convinced us of the truth of what we had heard—that Battle Creek is a very pleasant city. Reaching the vicinity of the Seventh-day Adventists, we were at first taken to the Health Institute for a temporary stay. Strangers, we were politely received by the kind host, while we noted upon his honest face the silent query—Who's the patient in your company? Anticipating the question, we announced ourselves, not on the sick list, but “come for business” at some definite place. We were soon seated in a large, airy parlor, where the sunshine was a welcome guest, and seemed to rejoice in the privilege of dispensing its healthful cheer to the inmates. And cheerful did they appear, reclining upon easy chairs and sofas, in quiet rest or social converse. Two organs stand ready to offer their aid in discoursing music to the ear, and sometimes to the soul; especially when artistic skill and melody are combined with the noble inspiration of Christian sentiment. But we must check the inclination to be minute in this hasty sketch. We next enjoyed a refreshing and highly satisfactory session in the large dining hall, filled with tables loaded with the greatest variety of luxuries, all within strict, hygienic limits; and we wondered meanwhile how the epicure and glutton could think that starvation would follow if they abandoned the improper food which is surely working destruction on body and soul. We may next notice the ample accommodations and conveniences of the bath-rooms, where nature's great remedy, “aqua pura fontana” (pure water from the fountain), proves, in numberless instances, its health-restoring power. Next, pass through the halls and take a view of the pleasant, neatly furnished rooms of the patients, distributed through several buildings, surrounded with delightful shade and lawn, supplied with flowers and croquet grounds to beguile the leisure hour. * As evening approaches, pause, as the hour of prayer brings together in the parlor this large household; and while the offering of sincere praise and prayer ascends, you will feel that the blessing of the heavenly Physician must rest upon this household. So may it ever be, the heart responds. Add to these attractions the cheerful faces, willing hands, and sympathizing hearts of physicians and attendants; and it must be acknowledged that Battle Creek Health Institute has well earned the high reputation it sustains in the country around. Thus entertained, the afternoon and evening passed here. Next morning, Bro. W. came with friendly greetings, conducted us to his hospitable dwelling, and manifested such true cordiality and kindness as only the noble Christian soul knows how to bestow. Truly, such unexpected, kind attentions awaken a desire to be more deserving, and inspire the determination to be diligent and faithful in future duties. It is certainly remarkable that the general manager of this Society, with all his arduous and multiplied duties, while giving efficient attention to the comprehensive whole, can yet find time for all the minor points, and the little courtesies of every-day life.