Twenty-first annual report of the directors of the Dundee Royal Asylum for Lunatics : submitted in terms of their charter to a general meeting of directors, July 5, 1841.

  • Dundee Royal Asylum for Lunatics.
Date:
1841
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: Twenty-first annual report of the directors of the Dundee Royal Asylum for Lunatics : submitted in terms of their charter to a general meeting of directors, July 5, 1841. Source: Wellcome Collection.

Provider: This material has been provided by The University of Glasgow Library. The original may be consulted at The University of Glasgow Library.

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    It will be remembered by those who take an interest in the affairs of the Asylum, that in 1831 Divine worship on the Sabbath was first introduced within its walls. At the time great fears were entertained as to the result. Many thought that the experiment was a dangerous one. That some of the more violent patients might be likely to treat sacred ordinances with derision and contempt, while in others mental agitation might be increased thereby. A two years' trial, however, removed all apprehensions on this head. The patients were found to behave themselves with the greatest propriety, decorum, and attention. They spake with gratitude of the opportunity thus afforded them of joining in the public worship of their Creator, Redeemer, and Sanctifier; and declared that from the due observance of the Lord's day they had derived the greatest comfort and alleviation to their mental distress. The experiment turning out thus successful, the Rev. Thomas Stirling was appointed regular Chaplain to the Establishment at the commencement of 1833, and has continued to discharge the duties ever since. Of all arduous tasks in the ministerial olHSce we can imagine none more so, than to officiate with beneficial effect in sacred things to such a congre- gation as that wliich Mr Stirling has to instruct. To be neither too hot nor too cold—to kindle religious fervour without further disturbing the already agitated breast—to lead the mind to dwell on solemn and serious thoughts, without increasing gloom and depression—to speak on sublime and awful subjects without exciting violence and inspiring terror—these are the arts in composition, with which it is necessary a preacher of righteousness in the sanctuary of the insane should be conversant j and in truth they are arts of no easy acquirement. Yet Mr Stirling has acquired them, and is in consequence an useful labourer in that portion of the Lord's vineyard which he has been called upon to dress. And verily he has his reward. But it must be in the reflections of his own breast, and in the consciousness that he is administering efficaciously the best solace—because the only enduring one—to some of the most afflicted of God's creatures; for it cannot be in the remuneration of twenty-five pounds per annum awarded to him by the Board of Direction. The old proverb that good masters and mistresses make good servants, has never been more satisfactorily verified than in the domestic establish- ment of the Dundee Lunatic Asylum, as it is at present constituted. Some of the servants and keepers are now of long standing—a sure sign that both the employers and the employed are well pleased with each other; and where all have done their duty—and that cheerfully and willingly—it