and the

marriage, he intended to make his own; blast of disappointment intervening, this has produced such severity on the mind, as to cast it into the shades of distraction !*-The loss of valuable and dear relations, by the sudden stroke of death, has sometimes made impressions on the mind, so powerful, as not only to render it feeble, but incapable of enjoying the remaining comforts of life, with the least degree of pleasure.-And, it is still more certain, that a consciousness of sins against God; a doubt of the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to save; these, aided by the violence of temptations from Satan, have so absorbed the powers of the mind, as to conduct it near the borders of despair.

These causes, which I have now stated, as well as many others, have frequently reduced the powers of the human mind to extreme debility and distress. It is for you, therefore, my afflicted friends, to determine, which, or if any of them, have created your present despondency. Certain it is, that your God of compassion, knows the

* It was observed by several present, that when this sentence was pronounced, one of the patients shed a profusion of tears, as though the case was his own.

cause. I shall, therefore, as a dictate of humanity, sanctioned by the Gospel, endeavour to offer you some advices which I hope the Lord may bless, to the relief and comfort of your feeble minds.

I. Indulge the least reflection, and you will be convinced, that the God who made you, and formed your minds, is certainly able to restore them from their present debilitated state, to composure and activity. It is impossible to doubt of his power, if for a moment you listen to the voice of his word: Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me? Jer. 32. 27. Impossible! And, as the Maker of your minds, however they may at the present moment be covered with a cloud, the Almighty can convey to you that light and peace which shall effectually produce a happy restoration!-Besides, I can assure you that it is a part of the glory of God, which he hath displayed in all ages, to comfort them that are cast down; 2 Cor. 7. 6. And, while thousands, more debilitated than yourselves, have received the aid of his restoring hand, we fervently pray, that you also, may share in the plenitude of his goodness!

II. To produce your recovery, be persuaded, that God can bless the medical attention which you constantly receive from the physicians in this Institution. In the Book of Ecclesiasticus, chapter the 38th, you are informed, that the Lord createth the physician. He giveth him talents to discover the nature, causes and progress of diseases, whether of body or mind. And the Lord, who is equally said to create medicines out of the earth, giveth knowledge to the physician to explore their qualities and virtues which are adapted to relieve our complaints; for with such, doth God heal men, and take away their pain. In the same chapter, it is required, that the patient should honour the physician with the honour due unto him, for the uses you may have of him. This therefore forms a necessary direction, that you should submit to the prescriptions and the orders of your physicians. And, at the same time, the chapter to which I have referred, will dictate the more important duty of prayer to your God, for a blessing upon their efforts for your happy recovery; knowing that it is the Lord alone, who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; and who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies. Psalm 103.

III. For your consolation, I will inform you from the New Testament, that the blessed Saviour, while on earth, healed a poor distracted man, whose case was far more deplorable than any of yours. A man, whose mind had been a long time distracted; he would not dwell in a house, but made his dwelling among the tombs of the dead; no chains could hold him; he wore no clothes; night and day he was crying, and cutting himself with stones. In this wretched situation, the compassionate Saviour met him, and granted him that healing mercy, which produced so great a change, that, when the people came to see him, they were astonished to find him clothed, setting at the feet of Jesus, and, in his right mind. Mark 5. Luke 8. Be you persuaded, that this same Jesus, though now in glory, is still possessed of compassion and power to restore you, and make your future days prosperous and happy.

IV. As the spirits of many have been extremely reduced to despondency, on an apprehension of the impossibility of their salvation from the guilt and consequences of sin, accompanied with doubts on the ability and willingness of Jesus Christ to

save them; and, as possibly, this may be the painful impression of some of you, it is a pleasing part of my duty to inform you, from the testimony of Scripture, that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Of course, if you feel yourselves as such, you may lay claim to his mercy, and rest assured, that such a gracious errand into the world, never can be frustrated. Besides, it is declared, that he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him. Therefore, if it be the great concern of your mind, to come to your offended God, for mercy and acceptance, you may rest assured, that Christ is both able and willing to save you, notwithstanding all your transgressions, the strength of your temptations, or those dreadful fears which now fill you with distress.

V. It is not uncommon to find persons, whose minds are made feeble and distracted, from the apprehension that they have committed the unpardonable sin against the HOLY GHOST. Should any of you indulge such an apprehension, and are distressed for its consequences, I will attempt to relieve your anxiety by assuring you, that I do most firmly and solemnly believe, that a person

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