In reply to these inquiries, it may be remarked in general, that special exceptions, even though numerous, do not invalidate the truth of a well established and obvious principle; because various collateral circumstances may prevent the immediate operation of that principle. Bad men may sometimes, for a time or even throughout life, enjoy good physical health, for several reasons. They may, in the first place, inherit from their parents a robust physical constitution, such as is not easily broken down; or they may dwell in peculiarly healthy districts; or be engaged in healthy and active out-door employments: all which circumstances go to produce and sustain the health of the body. For though it is most true that the body is powerfully acted upon by the state of the mind, yet it is not influenced solely by that, but is greatly affected by surrounding and outward influences, also. Being material itself, it is immediately and powerfully operated on by material influences, whether deleterious or healthful. But, there are higher considerations to be presented. In the dispensations of an All-wise and merciful Providence, who is good to all, who, as His Word declares, is "kind even to the unthankful and the evil," and whose first object is the reformation and salvation of men's souls,—it may be so ordered that unregenerate men shall, in certain cases, retain physical health, as a means to the healing of the soul; lest if pressed upon too severely by the hand of sickness, when they are not in a state to endure it, they may grow mad and desperate, and perhaps inflict self-destruction. While, on the other hand, the good—those who are looking to heaven, and willing and anxious to be led thither, even though it be through
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