TREATMENT OF J. H. HAM BY ALFRED.
J. H. Ham had a father and mother who visited him in the back hall. Henry was a young man, not twenty years of age. Saw him bound day after day with the whole of the asylum harness, fastened to a chair, with gag in his mouth day after day for being noisy. He was often taken to the bath tub and put into cold water so long that his feet were frozen. I saw chilblains he said were caused by so doing. Young Ham, under this treatment, grew pale and weak, and one leg became almost useless. I saw his father come and take him away.
Rejoice with those that rejoice, and weep with those that weep.
Friday Morning, June 18, 1874.
Just returned from my daughter; saw her for the first time press her first-born babe to her bosom with a smile. Who can know the joys of my daughter's heart this morning but a mother.
Who knows the feeling of the Virgin Mary when she brought forth her first-born Son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger.
Who knows her feelings when she gazed upon the cross and saw her son bleeding and dying.
Who can know that mother's grief when she stood by Joseph's tomb inquiring of the angel for her risen Lord.
Who knows the feelings of Jesus when he was agonizing in the garden of Gethsemane.
Who knows the feelings of Jesus but a Jesus, when he hung upon the cross saying, "Father, forgive them, they know not what they do." 'Tis easy for a mother to love her infant, but to love our enemies is more than all burnt sacrifices. Try it.
Again, who can know the heartrending feelings of the author, when he reviews the ten years of his asylum life, and thinks of the poor he left in bonds, and exclaims, help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth.
Help me to watch and pray,
And on Thyself rely,
Assured if I my trust betray
I shall forever die.
Arm me with zealous care,
As in thy sight to live,
And oh, thy servant, Lord, prepare,
A strict account to give.