p. 106 | Rural Health Retreat by H. A. St. John

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 14, 1884

Rural Health Retreat.

By H. A. St. John

I CAME to our Rural Health Retreat, at St. Helena, one month ago, in feeble health. I am very much improved. I have many times said since I came here, "How can any one be sick in such a place as this?" What an excellent place to rest the weary body and tired brain. Where can it be surpassed? Echo answers, Where?

How pure and soft the water. How clear and invigorating the atmosphere. How grand and lovely and exhilarating the surrounding valleys and mountains, covered with vineyards, orchards, and evergreen forests. What an endless series of varying landscapes. Thank God for such a health retreat, in the hands of those who fear and love God, and work righteousness. The God of nature has specially adapted this place for a health retreat.

A letter from the East reminds me that it is mid-winter; that the snow lies deep upon the ground; that the mercury is 22 degrees below zero; but here the flowers are blooming, the bees are humming, the birds are flitting, the grass is growing, and the farmer is sowing.

And then when we consider the institution itself, we find every department in the hands of those persons who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and who, as physicians, nurses, cooks, and helpers, seek to obey the Golden Rule—always do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Say what you please, this is the very heart and soul of true politeness.

A lady physician has long been needed in the Retreat, but this lack is now supplied in the coming of Mrs. Dr. Chamberlain, from the East. Dr. Chamberlain is a lady of integrity and piety, and long and successful experience in treating the sick. The Retreat may be thankful for such efficient help.

Reader, do you tell the afflicted whom you meet, of the Rural Health Retreat, at St. Helena, Cal.? Do you tell them where they may be benefited, soul and body? If not, why not? H. A. ST. JOHN.