In fact, every system of management that does not make this principle, of mildly calling forth and gently exercising this internal principle of self-control on matters that are least connected with the diseased parts of the brain, a constant and primary object of attention, is not merely defective, but exhibits very great ignorance of the attributes of mind, as well as of the causes and nature of its maladies; and it follows that, as a system, it must be without any clear principle to guide its physical and moral treatment. In all things, we ought to remember, and especially in a matter of such importance, that we can do good only so far as our knowledge extends; and even this knowledge is useless, unless we are zealously desirous and able to reduce it to practice. Whatever may be our proportion of knowledge, zeal, and ability, it cannot be arrogance, when called upon, to say, that I believe this principle is more brought into practice by the plans and arrangements I have described, than is the case with any system of treatment in any place that I have hitherto heard of or seen.
It is not known, as it ought to be, how powerful with the higher class of patients is the principle of honour; with many, a sense of religion; and with _all_, the fear of losing the approbation and friendship of those who are kind to them; as well as, from selfish motives, to secure the liberty and indulgences they have enjoyed. These means, and every principle which operates on human nature as checks on one part of the mind, and as encouragements to another, should be constantly and steadily kept in view, for the purpose of never losing an opportunity of instantly bringing them into useful, and of course successful, operation.
It is on this philosophical system of kindness, that every thing should be so contrived that the principle of internal self-control should be excited, and kept in exercise; and thus, being brought to depend somewhat on themselves, the depressing effects of the absolute restraint of fear, induced by harsh measures, and the tyranny into which a mere place of confinement with walls, and bolts and bars, must almost necessarily degenerate, is avoided.
The propriety of these measures will receive additional confirmation, when we come to consider the causes as well as the nature of the evils which we are called upon to combat; but it may in the mean time be sufficient to state the appalling fact, that insanity is very often the consequence of early over indulgence.—I have frequently had to remark that an only child,—the youngest, or one brought up by a grandmother,—were the victims of a system of gratifying the feelings, without due attention to the cultivation and exercise of the understanding, as the delegated power destined to guide the future man.