Since the Camp-Meeting.
By Stephen N. Haskell
THE Sabbath following the camp-meeting we visited the St. Helena Health Retreat. During the past year there have been some very marked evidences of God's blessing attending the efforts of the physicians in treating the sick. God has wrought with the physicians in some cases, not only in the alleviation of physical suffering, but what is of more consequence, many have found Christ, to the joy of their heart. Like those whom the Saviour healed, they have reported to others the blessings received, and it is evident that soon the buildings of the institution must be enlarged, or additional ones erected for the accommodation of those who wish to come to seek the reviving influences of the place. Before operations are performed, God is sought by physicians and those especially interested at the Retreat, that his blessing may attend them, and this is not without effect. As the description of the Retreat and surroundings has often been given, we will only say that nature has done its best to contribute to the charms of the location, and make it desirable for the invalid and others. In full view beneath lies the valley, studded with its orchards and vineyards, while all around are the mountains rising range on range until their distinct outlines are lost in the hazy distance. Thirst may be quenched by the soft, pure water brought from the mountain spring, and the fresh, bracing air breathes contentment and peace to all. As compared to the Sanitarium at Battle Creek, Mich., the facilities for treating the sick are limited, but nature has bountifully wrought to make up this deficiency, and with the blessing of God this is rendered a most desirable place for the conscientious invalid. Our meeting on the Sabbath was characterized by the sweet, melting Spirit of God, which called forth humble confessions, the influence of which, we trust, will live until the final triumph of God's people. Sabbath, October 30, was passed at Healdsburg, where we had the opportunity of visiting the school. Professor Brownsberger is in the East on business, and at present the school is in charge of Professor Grainger, and his co-laborers. This, and the school at South Lancaster, commenced about the same time, and were the first to introduce the manual labor department, and the Home for students. As relates to the converting influences of the Spirit of God, and the sending out of students as laborers in the cause, these schools have been pre-eminently successful. Our institutions of learning have a higher motive than simply to train the mind and cultivate the intellect to fill worldly positions in society. If this were all, we had made a great mistake in the expenditure of means, and assuming the responsibilities of caring for them, as there are other schools which can successfully teach the sciences. Our object is to throw around the student such moral influences as will mould the character, and elevate the mind to the consideration of heavenly and divine things, setting before them the object of laboring directly for the salvation of souls for whom Christ died, and still not falling behind the best institutions in the land in instruction in the sciences. The church at Healdsburg have in process of erection a meeting-house, 60x105 feet, with an addition of 40x100 feet, so arranged that it can all be thrown into one auditorium if desirable. This addition, when doors are closed, is converted into five rooms, one, 40x40 feet; the other four, 20x30 each, convenient for Sabbath-schools, missionary meetings, etc. These may be used and entered without interfering with exercises in the main auditorium or with each other. We think it wisely arranged. If our friends in California realized the blessings conferred upon them by the establishment of these institutions, they would not only be so freely patronized that increased facilities would be necessary, as is the case, but it would be their daily prayer that God would signally pour out his Spirit upon those connected with them; that from these institutions the light of truth might spread, not only in this land, but to more distant fields which are in darkness. For one object we should live, to one end direct our efforts,—to extend a knowledge of the truths of God's word to the world, and look for and hasten the coming of the day of the Lord. From the publishing house at Oakland, the printed rays of truth are penetrating to the most distant portions of the earth, and its field may truly be said to be the world. From the College, the living preacher should follow these light-bearers to the many nations, kindreds, and tongues, and peoples. From the Health Retreat, those who are healed should carry the glad tidings of a place where not only physical maladies are cured, but where may be found peace of soul which the world cannot give or take away. Just in proportion as God has laid upon the people of this State these responsibilities, will he require of their means, sympathy, and prayers to sustain the same. It should be second to no other Conference in its gifts, in its earnest efforts, in its missionary operations, and in its devotion and zeal in the cause of Christ. May the Lord help this Conference to be faithful in its important trusts. S. N. H.