On the Causes and Treatment of Insanity

Religious excitement forms 110 small number of the assigned causes; and, in accordance with the humane purpose of the institution, I feel it a duty to mention any cause, against the operation of which it may be possible, in some degree, to guard. I do not believe tliat true religion is ever a cause of insanity, though fanaticism or erroneous theological views undoubtedly may. Mental derangement never can be produced by just views of the essential truths of the Gospel; but intense and long protracted meditation on abstruse points of religious doctrine, or 011 prophetic mystery, remorse in highly sensitive minds on account of supposed unpardonable sins, and above all, innovation in established religious belief, have been fruitful causes of insanity. A11 eminent physician, of great experience in the treatment of mental derangement, in his writings remarked, " Were I to allege one cause which I