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"For, as the state of heat, in metallic substances, is the state wherein they are made capable to assume new or beautiful forms, so the state of affliction is the state to mould the human mind to every pursuit that is congenial to the dignity of its nature."

— Nolan, William (fl. 1786)

Author

Nolan, William (fl. 1786)

Work Title

An Essay on Humanity: or a View of Abuses in Hospitals

Place of Publication

London

Publisher

Printed for the Author

Date

1786

Metaphor

"For, as the state of heat, in metallic substances, is the state wherein they are made capable to assume new or beautiful forms, so the state of affliction is the state to mould the human mind to every pursuit that is congenial to the dignity of its nature."

Metaphor in Context

Ingratitude, it is justly observed, is a crime of Syrian dye; but alas! it is a crime from which very few of the human race can plead an exemption; particularly to that supreme Being whose mercies to us demand our most animated gratitude! while in the meridian of health and prosperity we neglect those great duties we ought to perform, and which, when descended under the clouded horizon of sickness and adversity, we cannot perform. It is in this state the mind resumes its salutary attribute of reflection--It is then she would wish, by a life of prudence and penance in future, to ward off calamities which antecedent intemperance or impiety make her dread for the present, both as to body and soul! When the human mind is in this susceptible disposition, a wise and humane clergyman should avail himself of its situation (as in it we are more inclined to hear and follow good advice than at any other time) by visiting patients in such situations, and admonishing them to refrain from a repetition of those irregularities, which perhaps laid the foundation of their present sickness; and that such sickness was the consequent punishment, of their criminal neglect of the performance of their religious duty:" or in any other pathetic manner, that the love or duty of Christianity might dictate.--For, as the state of heat, in metallic substances, is the state wherein they are made capable to assume new or beautiful forms, so the state of affliction is the state to mould the human mind to every pursuit that is congenial to the dignity of its nature. But, I am extremely sorry to say, that there is very little attention paid to the discharge of this indispensible duty in an hospital; more especially at the time that it is most necessary, towards the approach of death!--For, it is truly lamentable to see, how shamefully negligent in this momentous concern, are the people about an expiring wretch in an hospital-- to whom custom, joined to innate insensibility, has made it as indifferent to see a patient leaving the world, as leaving the hospital! This conduct is not only inhuman, but impious in the highest degree; as at this awful tremendous moment, desponding fears and infidel doubts find an easy conquest of a mind, which, though not strengthened by Christian philosophy, is considerably weakened by disease. This, therefore, is the time to administer to the exhausted mind the lenient balsam of Christianity, by infusing into the anxious, trembling, palpitating soul a conviction, a hope, and a belief of its divine and merciful author's protection in a future state! I would not dwell so long on this matter, but from an internal conviction, that virtue and good morals are as often the means of preserving health, as medicine is in restoring it. A proper method of treating the minds and morals of patients shall be pointed out hereafter in its place; that is, immediately after suggesting a plan for the removal or mitigation of all the antecedent bodily inconveniencies alluded to.
(pp. 28-30)