Rural Health Retreat by J. D. Rice

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jul 25, 1878

Rural Health Retreat.

By J. D. Rice

THIS Institute has been opened but five weeks and only advertised in one paper nine days, yet even now the house is crowded by those seeking board and treatment, there being thirty-five persons now lodging under its roof. Besides this there are four tents pitched on the grounds which are occupied by those who also take treatment at the Institute.

I came to this place from Tulare county, a distance of three hundred and sixty miles, four weeks ago yesterday. I was in a state of extreme prostration, occasioned by a fever which had been preying upon my system for three weeks. One week before coming here I had a relapse, brought on by over exertion the first day after rising from a two weeks' fever. Upon my arrival I immediately fell into a kind of stupor or semi-conscious state, which had been coming over me during the last day of my journey. I remained in this state of stupor for nearly a week, being wholly conscious only about one hour each day. I was faithfully cared for during this stage of the disease, and at the end of twelve days I had so far recovered that I was able to rise from my bed and sit up several hours. Since then I have been rapidly improving day by day.

With a heart full of gratitude to our heavenly Father for so graciously preserving my life through my sickness, and realizing that the benefits of the Rural Health Retreat are the means by which God has raised me up to still labor in his cause, I am led to give him praise. I feel that it is due to speak a few words in regard to the Health Institute, that others who are afflicted may receive the benefits that are to be obtained at this Institution.

The building is situated several hundred feet up the side of Howell mountain, commanding a delightful view of the valley, and the mountains beyond—a landscape seldom surpassed in beauty. I would say to those who are sick and need treatment, Come to the Rural Health Retreat, where you have combined, proper treatment, fresh mountain air, and pure soft water flowing from a crystal spring.

J. D. RICE.

St. Helena, Cal., July 18, 1878.