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PASSIONAL DISEASES. 333
we must equalize the spirit circulation and action, ener
gize the mind, and purify it of false ideas. The analogy
is precise, and the same means answer reciprocally in
both cases. For this, and some relative diseases, I cor
"
dially recommend Mr. Andrews' work on the Science
of Society." The writings of Fourier may also be read
with advantage.
Benevolence is liable to similar disease, manifested in
absurd, misplaced, ill-timed, and inappropriate philan
thropies. It is morbid in its objects and manifestations.
Distributing tracts at the Five Points, where people are
in want of the necessaries and common decencies of
life, and sending missionaries to be eaten by South Sea
cannibals, are among the curious symptoms of this
affection. Justice and common sense are proper anti
dotes.
There are morbid excitements of the faculties which
do not deserve the name of diseases, which have a cer
tain degree of permanence and disorder.
Pride, or haughtiness, is often a disease.
bition and Vanity may become such.
Both Am
Jealousy is a very bad and a very prevalent passional
disease. Its symptoms need no description. Few cause
more anguish to the sufferer, or more discomfort to
others. It is often treated as a wickedness— we may
call in so, if we please, but it is a disease. A wicked
ness, properly speaking, is a voluntary thing. Jealousy
is involuntary. It is sudden or gradual, violent or mild,
acute or chronic. It has its own internal, predisposing
cause ; but the external, exciting cause may be either
real or imaginaiy. It is a morbid manifestation of love,
combined with distrust, fear, and spiritual poverty.