If people are destroyed for lack of knowledge—if to hate the light is a proof of deeds being evil—if the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—if this knowledge is the continent in the mind for the reception of every other what shall we say of those who teach—that this—the first, the best, the godlike gift of the Creator, must be sacrificed in order to embrace the view of religion which they propose? I cannot use stronger language than I have used already, but repeat that mental alienation is one of the dreadful consequences of that doctrine which is emphatically called the ‘abomination which maketh desolate;’—of that doctrine, whose fruits are bitter, and which fills the mind with doubt, gloom, and misery.
When the only true basis of religious knowledge is removed, and insane notions occupy its place, what desolation follows!
At present, however, I will not enter into a clear and full explanation of this momentous subject; but I trust hereafter I shall be able show, that I am fully prepared to prove these assertions, and, moreover, to prove that, besides the extremes of pride and presumption, despair and misery, with endless indications that it is not according to the wisdom which cometh from above, it is the most common and frightful cause of the most incurable forms of insanity which I have found in lunatic asylums, I repeat, however, that so important and awfully true are these facts in my estimation, that I cannot remain contented with simply making these slight allusions to them, and I therefore intend hereafter to attack the error with all the force which my conception of its magnitude and baneful influence can inspire. Oh! that I could attack it with such effect that it would be rooted up for ever—so that it would no longer exist as the cause, (as it has hitherto been,) of gloom, misery, and desolation to minds of the most gentle, amiable, and acute construction. Such would not be the case did mankind behold the delightful harmony which exists between revealed truth and the constitution of the human mind. I see no lines and separations in knowledge, but behold in each part a portion of one grand whole. Science, intelligence, wisdom, and religion, are all One, and woe to the man who separates them!
O that mankind knew these glorious truths, which are everywhere most beautifully held forth to our view—not only knew these things, but knew also the happiness of making all this knowledge increase the well being and happiness of others around them! Then would the world possess the channels for the right influx of the inspiration of the heart; and then would that true and steady light be received into the understanding which would prevent it from falling into the mazes and darkness of error, or into actual evils and miseries of heart and of life.
Then, indeed, would the fire of Divine Love purify the earth of the human mind;—then would the oil of charity be the fuel on the altar of every heart;—then would the light of Divine Wisdom ascend into understanding, there to remain a sun without clouds for ever.
No. 24.—Admitted 1802.—Aged 25.
Nothing on record. She was brought up tenderly and respectably: her health was rendered delicate by close confinement at her needle-work, and her fondness for reading and writing. She was from home when her mind received a severe shock by the unexpected intelligence of her father having put an end to his own existence. Soon after this a grievous disappointment completed the overthrow of her mind. Before her father’s death, it was generally supposed he was wealthy: she was then engaged to one who had secured her affections; after her lover knew of her father’s death, and the involved state of his affairs, he still continued to profess his attachment, and held out the prospect of speedily fulfilling his promise of marriage;—she believed him, until she happened accidentally in company to cast her eye on the announcement of his marriage to another, when she shuddered and shrieked, and exclaimed “Wretch!” and from that moment she was insane, and has been so ever since. Her lucid intervals are considerable; yet she always retains so painful a recollection of this fact, that though fond of talking of all other occurrences of her former life, she studiously evades all conversation, or any question that at all alludes to this; so much so, that from this fact, as well as some others, I think it highly probable that even her present less violent, and less frequent paroxysms, are partly brought on by associations which awaken the same agony of mind and feelings of indignation as she then suffered. When highly excited, she will, like one who has received some extreme provocation, (her face red and swoln with rage) burst forth into the most violent passion, using the most scurrilous language; sometimes it is maniacal fury; at other times, only like one excessively angry, venting feelings by a hearty scolding; at others, she is only perverse and sulky, and frequently merely odd and flighty. All these symptoms for the most part occur, more or less, at certain periods, (see Observation V. and Essay on Atmospherical Influence,) but now they are something less violent at all times, and sometimes, for many months in succession, so slight that strangers could not perceive them, when she continues conversable and pleasant. She is very agreeable and useful in the house, which she considers her home. Perhaps this improvement may be attributed partly to the application of the medical swing—partly to the greater mildness of her present attendant: she is made happy by a little attention, and often visits her friends in York. Her natural talents are good, and improved by reading; her disposition is friendly and benevolent, but hasty, credulous, and incautious.
No. 25.—Admitted 1803.—Aged 28.
Nothing satisfactory on record. I have been informed by his family and friends, that he was a proud, passionate, spoiled child, and that the immediate exciting causes of his derangement were these. Through the interest of an elder brother, he expected to obtain a most lucrative and respectable situation in the East Indies, but it was discovered on his examination that he did not possess the requisite qualifications, consequently, he was not merely disappointed, but his pride was doubly mortified by being reduced to the necessity of undertaking the management of a common farm; there, with several other causes, these things operating on a spirit ill prepared for any adverse wind or the common storms of life, soured his temper; and at last produced so exasperated and violent a state of mind, that his mother, sisters, and friends, were compelled on account of various outrageous acts of passion to confine him.
