General report of the Lunatic Department of the Charity Workhouse of the City of Edinburgh, for the years 1833-34-35.

Date:
[1836?]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: General report of the Lunatic Department of the Charity Workhouse of the City of Edinburgh, for the years 1833-34-35. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh. The original may be consulted at the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh.

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    mind appeared to be a little disturbed, whether in consequence of a well-known prejudice, or on account of the peculiar character of the house, the writer of this article does not know, as, without asking any questions, he endeavoured to banish the painful feeling. The circum- stance alluded to was this: Her situation seemed to cause her some un- easiness, for she expressed regret that the soul was leaving the body in a slate ^ confinement. In a moment, however, she recovered her com- posure, and exclaimed, “ how can I complain who have been a great sinner, when I think of the sufferings of my sinless Redeemer.” The last case which will be mentioned is that of a converted Jew. The expression of this man’s countenance indicated perpetual grief. His was indeed a broken, and, to all appearance, a contrite spirit. During divine service, his weeping ej'es were constantly fixed upon the preacher, not a word seemed to escape him. When the words were those of comfort, or declaratory of God’s goodness, and of the Saviour’s love to fallen man, a smile of delight proved the grateful feelings of his heart. When any allusion was made, either in the address or prayer, to those from whom he had separated himself, the tear, the uplifted countenance and folded hands, testified how much he loved his brethren, his kinsmen, according to the flesh, and how strong his desire was that Israel might be saved. To the last, the same affecting tenderness was displayed, until death relieved the broken-hearted sufferer. Had nothing more been effected by divine service in the Asylum, than merely securing, by this means, to the insane, during a peaceful hour, forgetfulness of their sorrows, and, by breaking in upon the mo- notonous round of a solitary life, awakening early recollections, thus proving to them that they are still united mt/i, and remembered their fellow-men, the benefit conferred upon them would have been great, but the foregoing statements will prove that more has been accomplish- ed. The living are soothed and comforted, the dying have been strengthened by the service of God, and the oft expressed desire of many has been gratified. For, repeatedly before the service of God was established in the Asylum, the patients, upon hearing the tolling of the bells for public worship, remarked to Mrs. Mackay the matron, how much they felt the want of religious instruction, and with what delight they would have joined the multitude that kept the solemn holy day. They now receive the wished for religious instruction, and meet in their solitary mansion to worship him who is not confined to temples made with men’s hands. And highly do they seem to value the blessed privileges. May the happy effects produced upon them by Divine trutTi, be the means of directing public attention to the spiritual neces- sities of the insane in general, and dispose those to whose care they are intrusted to introduce the service of the only Physician of the grieved in spirit into every similar institution. It remains only to be added, that the superintendent, Mr. Mackay, satisfied by experience of the blessed consequences of religious instruc- tion to his afflicted charge, has done every thing in his power by his presence and influence, to carry into effect the truly benevolent inten- tion of those who introduced it into the Asylum, and also, by his know- ledge of the insane, to assist the chaplain in the discharge of his all- important duties. LACHLAN MACLEAN, Chaplain. 12 March 183G.
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