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CHAP. XV.]
The Care of Health a Duty.
273

and weary with standing still;—that penetrated the centre of another microcosm, hath lost its planetary influence, and is become obtuse and dull," &c.[1]

Are not these considerations enough to urge any one to the "study and observance of Nature's institutions," and to avoid "injurious customs, ways, and manners of living?"

Health is not only the source of beauty, but without it happiness is impossible, so that vanity and self-love alike urge us to preserve it; but there is a still loftier motive which should join with these to induce us to take care of ourselves, and that is that, if we allow our own constitutions to be undermined by neglect or carelessness, we make it impossible for us to be able to care for others, and instead of being a help to those we love, we become a burthen to them.

As a parting word of advice let me close this volume with the words of the philosopher Sir Thomas Browne: "Where nature fills the sails the vessel goes smoothely on; and where judgement is the pilot the rate of insurance need not be high."


  1. Maynwaringe on "The Method and Means of Health." 1683.


THE END.