New-York tribune., 1884-11-16


ence, balancing of accounts with hs vestfy aud
n,cpaptlon, fof burial. does not stand Ia tho
way of presumption ol insanity All tho cIr'
cnmatnncra point uncrflngly In tho aame dlioo'
tlon. The apnoml cause for mental anxiety nnd
preoccupntlon may not bo accurately defined,
but ID IL clear that ho had been breeding over
private giiefs until his reason became un-
settled.
While tho tragic termination of this promls-
ing career IN the flush of youth is unspeakably
sad, there have been many similar instances
within the present year which have seemed
equally inexplicablc. Early manhood has its
period OF depression, it's hours of melancholy
and unrest when the chill of disappointment
strikes to the heart and the Judgment is bcwl!d-
cred by sense of dsenchantment. Some of
the most intellectual men have passed through
such crises with fear and trembling. John
Stuart Mill has left in his Autobiography an
eloouent recital Of his own sufferings from de-
spondency and lack OF interest in life. 1t was
at a time when his education had been com
pleted and he was surrounded by his fathers
learned companions, who were predicting for
him great career in philosophical study and
economic researches. Yet even he with bis
evenly poised judgment and vast intellectual
resources could not escape from the bcnumbng
effects of an unreasonable and inexplicable
melancholy. llis studies, his companions his
future and all human relationships CEASED to
interest him, and life seemed to him senselcss
lottery of the blind fates with trivial prizes for
those who did not want them and blanks tOI
every one else. Experiences like these are not
uncommon. Early manhood not infrequently
i wi a n ia
of human life. with premature loss of faith in
an orderly Providence ruling in mems affairs,
and with many of the carking cares which vcx
a more philosophical maturity.
While it is true that early manhood is not ex
empt from mental depression and derangement,
the Trenton suicide is a startling exception to
clerical experience. There is no profession in
which suicide and insanity are so infrequent as
that of which this unfortunate young man was
promising representative. The time has gone
BY when religious enthusiasm or sccptcal ques-
toning mpars the Judgment and unsettles the
reason OF thpse engaged in the sacred calling.
Religions excitement was once one OF the com
monest causes of insanity, and in the heat OF
controversial ardor or in the chilling sense OF
uncertainty respecting doctrine or dogma many
n clergyman lost his reason in futile efforts to
work out inscrutable engmas which baifed his
understanding. But opportunities for pro-
fcSsional training and exhaustive theological
studies have been multiplied, the clergy have
gained steadily in self-posscssion and stead
ness of Judgment If the theological lestions
have not ceased to be perpcxng tolerance has
become the philosophy of the religious world,
and there is greater latitude of belief and pro-
tho ola hppnmp
moro arduous, his stndicss and intellectual
struggles have become less distracting. Of all
men he should be, and he is, the broadcast
minded and the most constant in intellectual
poise, for his calling and vocation are based
upon the assumption that this world taken by
itself ia uninteligiblc and that there must be
another and better one to explain adequately
the present life.