ment, thus far, was strongly in favor of improvement and progress towards a high standard. The superintendent showed much taste and skill, as well as urbanity, kindness, and controlling influence over mind, as we proceeded. We visited the lowest places and the most unpromising subjects, but did not find any very low places, bad subjects, or deep and unmitigated misery. In an institution of 100 insane patients, there are, of course, difficult cases to be managed. If these are managed as well as they can be, what more can be asked or expected? That this was pretty nearly the case, at the Retreat, at the time of this visit, according to the present state of knowledge, I believe. During the whole visit, in all parts of the institution, it was apparent that the chaplain delightfully fills an important place of usefulness among all connected with it. The superintendent says of him, in his last report, "His experience with the sick and insane, his accurate observation and knowledge of the human mind, deservedly entitle his remarks to great attention." The following are the remarks of the chaplain alluded to by the superintendent:

"The usual religious exercises on the Sabbath, and the evenings of the other days of the week, have been regularly continued during the past year. A large proportion of the patients have been in the habit of attending these exercises, and have evinced the benefit derived from them by the good order and becoming deportment which, with very few exceptions, have prevailed. The religious sensibilities are, in this way, often rekindled. Self-control is aided in regaining its dominion; and peace, at least for a season, visits the most agitated breast. May we not hope and pray that the Spirit of grace and consolation will here, as well as elsewhere, shed down its hallowed influences to enlighten, to purify, and to bless the soul? Our Savior, before he left the world, promised the Comforter to his disciples; and will he not delight to fulfil this promise among such as are kindred sufferers with those who shared so largely in his compassion while on earth. Among these sufferers we often find some of his most faithful followers.

"Cases frequently occur which, in the opinion of the physician, require the services of the chaplain, in the way of personal intercourse with the patients; when the hope-inspiring views and promises of the gospel may be addressed to the desponding mind with great benefit. Such services have been promptly and cheerfully rendered.

"Death sometimes enters the walls of the institution; and it has more than once happened, that the spirit, about to take its flight to another world, and in full possession of its reasoning powers, finds its faith and hope invigorated by the consolations which are administered, and the prayers which are offered up, at this trying hour. It is a solace, too, to the friends of the deceased, to know that the funeral solemnities are conducted with appropriate religious exercises. They have themselves often been present at these exercises.

"There are other occasions, also, when feeble and convalescent

patients express a wish to have the chaplain visit them, that they may enjoy the privilege of religious counsels, and of uniting in supplication at the throne of grace. With the advice and approbation of the physician, such visits are made, and evidently with very beneficial results. "In addition to this, it has been the custom of the chaplain to visit the patients throughout the institution, from time to time; to exchange civilities and pleasant conversation with them, and to let them see that he takes a personal interest in their welfare. The respect and kindness with which they uniformly treat him, is no less grateful to his feelings than indicative of the advantages which such intercourse, wisely conducted, is capable of affording. The insane know well how to appreciate acts of sympathy, and among others those of a minister of the gospel.

"The other inmates of the establishment, including the attendants and nurses, all of whom are usually present at the religious exercises, it is not to be forgotten, come in for their share of the benefits which these exercises afford. Every day they hear truths and precepts from the Word of God, which, if cherished and obeyed, will tend to make them more faithful in the discharge of duty; and they have the gospel preached to them, from Sabbath to Sabbath, which they would otherwise be but seldom permitted to hear, as their constant attendance on the patients is one essential feature of the management of the institution.

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Commending it, with its various interests and concerns, to the guidance, protection, and blessing of Almighty God, the chaplain cannot conclude this report of his labors, without acknowledging the respectful kindness which has always been shown him, in the discharge of his official duties, by the physician and all the other officers and inmates of the Retreat.

"May 12th, 1841."

T. H. GALLaudet.

On the whole, the institution is among the best in the land.

CONCLUSION.

In view of the whole matter of this Report, we remark — It is the glory of the Son of God "to bring good out of evil." And again—"If we possess not his spirit, we are not his." And finally (it is a standing text for the society)" Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble."

"The LORD will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth; and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies."

"The LORD will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness."

THOMAS BRADFORD, Jr., Philadelphia. THOMAS PADDOCK, St. John, N. B.

MANAGERS.

CHARLES CLEVELAND, TREASURER.

LOUIS DWIGHT, SECRETARY.

BY THE PAYMENT OF ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS AND UPWARD.