A WORTHY INSTITUTION by W.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Aug 20, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 41.

A WORTHY INSTITUTION.

By W.

WE refer to the Medical and Surgical Sanitarium near St. Helena, Cal., more familiarly known as the Rural Health Retreat. A few years ago it was known only by few. It is much more widely, though altogether too little known now. But it is doing most excellent work and gaining a host of loyal friends. These are its best advertisements.

Its situation is on the sunny slope of Howell Mountain, a pleasant half hour's drive from St. Helena. From its pleasant "shelf" on the mountain side it overlooks one of the most lovely and restful parts of the notedly beautiful Napa Valley, besides the pretty little Howell Valley, between Sugar Loaf Mountain and Howell Mountain, to the westward, every hour bringing artistic changes of light and shade as "the sun runneth his race around the world."

The air is most deliciously fresh, having neither the heavy humidity of the coast nor the extreme light dryness of the high interior table-lands, while from the depths of the mountain, nature's filter, gushes forth pure soft water, from which the place is sometimes called "Crystal Springs." The main building, the neat cottages, the cool, clean tents, are all inviting in their refreshing neatness and home-like comfort.

The medical department is under the supervision of W. H. Maxson, M.D., assisted by Mrs. H. S. Maxson, M.D., A. J. Sanderson, M.D., Miss Mary Sanderson, M.D., and G. H. Heald, M.D. The treatment is scientific, rational, hygienic,—assisting nature (who must after all do the healing) in the very best possible ways. Baths of various kinds, applications of electricity, faradic and galvanic, Swedish movements, massage, and various other improved remedies, are in everyday use. The very best and most hygienic food is furnished in abundance. This food is also supplied to the trade, being sent to all parts of the Pacific Coast, and to the islands of the sea. Many difficult and critical surgical operations have been performed the last two years, and the first death is yet to be recorded.

The atmosphere of the institution is decidedly religious and moral, though not obtrusive. The physicians, nurses, various superintendents, and helpers, in fact, all down to the call boys, are Christians, those who are working for others' good; and their Christian conduct finds its reward in its influence upon others. A neat chapel gives opportunity for instruction and worship, easy of access to the feeblest guests and patients, where the chaplain, Elder J. A. Burden, or some visiting preacher, speaks words of counsel and comfort.

The writer has just had the privilege of spending two weeks at the sanitarium. He went there for rest, healing, and recreation, and he obtained all. He would gladly have spent longer time, but duty called elsewhere. His first visit was five years ago. The institution has greatly improved in every respect since then, and will, we believe, in the providence of God, still improve. We can heartily, freely say to our readers, if they want medical help, treatment, or rest, in matters physical, go to the Rural Health Retreat and spend what time is consistent. The physicians will deal with you frankly.

That God may still guide in all the affairs of this institution, that its labors of love may be abundantly blessed and multiplied, that still greater success may await it in the future, according to its merits, and that its managers may ever so walk in God's ways that he may be the chief Counselor in all its work, is our earnest prayer. W.