Democratic standard. [volume] (Georgetown, Brown County, Ohio) 1837-1850, 1843-08-22

N'S io' w pe plCke0 up Oy sort
OF chance, TO be learned, where they
ought TO be practiced. Mrs. Child has
written some excellent essays on the
subject, 10 be sure; but they are left, like
almost all the excellent, practical wri-
tiDgs, TO the reflection Of theorists; CON-
paratively few consult them to learn how
they should act. The consequence is ,
sick>roOm visits are as stiff and formal as
"calls" in health; the patient, especially
if very sick, is reminded that the case is
nearly hopeless BY the long drawn Wis
age, and anxious eye ofthe visitor; and
the first question usually is, "How do you
feel 10 day." or, "Are you any better than
you were yesterday" or, what is still
more Objectionable, "How much worse
you look than you did when | last saw
you ," or, t'You look miselably," which
remarks seem to open the grave before
the poor nervous creature, already too
much depressed in mind. Thousands
every year are doubtless killed BY this
mode Of fkindaess--foT it is really kindl y
intended. Frequent visits to the sick, in
the present mode Of making them, are
gIeat evils. How we have Witnessed
the weariness Of the poor pationt, after
receiving these sympathetic Icalls. Had
they been well timed, and we'll executed
they might have raised the spirits, and
promoted the health Of the sufferer, but
how sadly is ell this reversed.
We make tive or three suggestions ,and
close for the present. We hope that the
mere hint will do good, by awakening
consideration.
l. When you visit the sick, never
think of your own convenience. When
you come to the house, inquire whether
the patient has had much company, and
whether he is in situation TO sec CON-
pany. If there have bees many calls,
do not say, 81 am anxious to see the pa
tient, and cannot we'll call again." and
ifthere be any risk. by all means retire.
The sick are generally visited TOO much,
especially where the disease partakes of
the nervous character.
2. Throw off all stiffness and formal.
ity. Enter the room in home dress,
with home cheerful air. Always have
a smile for the sick.room, even when
your heart would break. Endeavor to
awaken some cheerful thought in the
mind Of the patient. We often think Of
the philosophy of DR.. Rush's illusions to
the eagle's nest, which raised patient
whose case had been considered hope
less. Some pleasing feminscence, some
cheerful news, may do wonders in lift
ing the dropping head.
8. Never speak language of discour-
agement to the patient. Never speak
Of sinking look, Of a failing appearance.
Unless you are nurse or physician, make
no troublesome inquiries about symp.
toms, and feelings. Lead the mind as
much as possible from disease. 1t is not
ours to dictate 10 religious teachers.-
But, if ever religion should be cheerful
it should be in the place Of sickness -
Nervous terror has as little power TO heal
the soul, as to heal the body. Lift the
mind upward--to the regions of eternel
health. Show the light of glory there
to be revealed. Invite faith 10 take hold
on the promises. Disclose the grounds
of hope, and the way to attain it.
In short, study nature. Commune
with your own heart. See the influence
of heart on heart-of thought on mind,
and "Gs pc s0Ould that men should do un
to yOU, do ye even 80 10 then'."
One suggestion more; never forget 10
render little attentions 10 persons when
sick. Little tokens of remembrance
things of little moment 10 the healthfuI,
are full of comfort TO the sick. Give
them frequent occasion to know that you
remember them. And above all, re-
member the sick poor. How little do
we knew the sufferings, in the midst of
the towns and cities, among the destitute
Search out cases of this kind. 1t will
always gladden. your hearts to remember
that you have relieved sufferings, supPIi'
ed the destitute, and give comfort to the
afflicted Bangor Gazette.