at for his singularity, and perhaps subjected to the daily jeers and witticisms of those who are carried along the stream of public opinion or local customs. The doctrine or practice is attributed by them to whim, caprice, eccentricity, or some still more unworthy motive. Every new opinion, therefore, though capable of the clearest demonstration, must necessarily be slow in its progress. Most people are so busily engaged with their daily avocations, that they have no leisure to consider a subject which demands time and attention, and less inclination when that subject is represented as a novelty. Some, perhaps, though convinced, deem it of too little consequence to demand a change of habit; while others possess too little moral courage to brave the taunting observations of their companions. Thus are the same customs continued through long periods of time; and the thinking few are held in thraldom by the οἱ πολλοὶ, or unthinking many; so that "the discoveries of one generation can only become the established and influential truths of the next."
It is, however, our duty and interest to inquire, how far the practices and habits of mankind accord with the original intentions of nature; and what effect any departure from truth, if I may be allowed the expression, has had upon our health, happiness, and longevity. To trace all the errors of mankind in this respect, would be an endless, if not altogether an impossible task; for—the functions of some organs having been vitiated, and the senses very much impaired—it requires great care lest we mistake the perverted for the original use, and thereby find "the light that is in" us to "be darkness." Nay, mankind now live in such an artificial state, that it would be almost impossible to dispense with many acquired habits; they have become, as it were, essential to their comfort and well-being: all changes, therefore, should be adopted with caution, lest, by too sudden a return to nature, we inflict upon ourselves and the community a greater injury than we are endeavoring to cure.
"But pliant nature more or less demands
As custom forms her; and all sudden change
She hates of habit, even from bad to good.
If faults in life, or new emergencies,
From habits urge you by long time confirmed,
Slow may the change arrive, and stage by stage;
Slow as the shadow o'er the dial moves,
Slow as the stealing progress of the year."
But as, without bodily health, physical strength, and mental vigor, man is rendered miserable, and incapable of securing to himself that full amount of enjoyment and longevity which nature has placed within his reach, and qualified him for attaining; he should carefully note all such circumstances
