Life at the Sanitarium.
By C. W. S.
THE Medical and Surgical Sanitarium is an institution to which the thoughts of hundreds who have gone from it to their homes with a new lease of life and a clearer knowledge of the laws of health, will ever revert with pleasure and with gratitude. And its circle of friends is rapidly enlarging. Under the efficient management of its present corps of physicians, the Sanitarium is gaining the confidence and respect of the people. This is especially true in respect to the citizens of Battle Creek, as is manifested by the increase of patronage it receives from many who go there for treatment, and from some who are there simply to avail themselves of the healthful and agreeable board there furnished. The family at the Sanitarium now numbers ninety-nine, besides about twenty-five who just come in for treatment; and new patients are arriving every few days. We say family, for such it seems to be. There is a feeling of union, harmony, and good-will that pervades the entire circle. Patients are impressed with the kindness of the helpers, and the anxious interest shown by the physicians. We have frequently heard the patients remark that it seemed so much like home that one could not help being contented—that it seemed like one entire family. Dr. J. H. Kellogg has the entire confidence of the patients, by whom he is justly held in high esteem. The physicians take pains to provide ample recreation and means of enjoyment. Frequent drives about the town and visits to Goguac Lake afford healthful and grateful exercise and diversion. A few days ago, the patients were taken out to the lake, distant about two miles, for a picnic. The grounds about the lake are nicely fitted for such occasions. Rustic tables are in readiness, seats and speaker's stand, etc., while a small steamboat and numerous sail and row boats are ready to take excursionists over the beautiful little lake. After a dinner served up in the best of style, the audience of about fifty were seated to listen to a few remarks from Sister White, who kindly consented to be present a little while and speak to them. The speaker alluded to the choice our Saviour made of the lake-side to teach the people, and referred to the time when he beckoned to Peter to approach with his boat, and, having seated himself in it, he taught the multitude who thronged the shore. She spoke of the lessons he drew from nature, and the common events of life, illustrating his teachings by pointing to the sower of seed and the reaper as he gathered the sheaves, and instilling beautiful lessons of trust by a consideration of the lilies of the field. A large bouquet stood in a vase upon the stand, which the speaker raised in her hand, and with language the most eloquent she inspired her hearers with hope and trust in the great Teacher, representing him as a Being of tender love and infinite goodness. A few steps away was the border of the lake, with the boats in waiting by the shore. Everything conspired to carry the mind right back to the days of our Saviour's preaching by the sea-shore. Several of the audience were weeping tears of joy. When the speaker closed, one of their number arose and asked, in behalf of those present, that that address might be written out and printed, that they might have it to take to their homes as a grateful souvenir of the pleasant scene at the lake. This was then made the request of the audience by a full vote. Brother White assured them that the request should be granted. At the prayer and social meetings held every Friday evening at the Sanitarium, it is truly affecting to hear different ones express their gratitude to the Giver of all good for leading them to that place; and their prayers ascend for the prosperity of the institution and for those who bear the responsibilities attending its management. C. W. S.