longer than the strong, the hearty, and the healthy. The latter have
overtaxed their strength, their spirits, and their health. Even vitality
itself, stronger in some than others, may in excess conduce to the
premature wearing out and decay of the faculties and powers.

It is not surprising, then, that great difficulties have had to be
encountered in fixing any general laws by which longevity can be
assured; yet such are in existence, and like all the gracious gifts of a
most merciful Creator, are at the easy command and disposal of mankind.

They are to be found in implicit obedience to the Laws of God and
Nature. These imply the use and not the misuse or abuse of all the
powers and faculties given to us by an all-wise and all-merciful
Providence. If human beings would only abide by these laws they would
not only enjoy long health and long life but they would also pass that
life in comfort and happiness.

With respect to the physical, intellectual and moral man, work is the
essential factor in procuring health and happiness. Idleness is the bane
of both. Man and woman were born to work either by hand or brain. Man in
the outer world, woman in the home. The man who lives without an object
in life is not only not doing his duty to God, but he is a curse to
himself and others. But work, like everything else, should be limited.
Many cannot do this, and overtax both their physical and intellectual
energies. The employment of labour should be regulated by the
capabilities of the working-classes, not by the economy or profits to be
obtained by extra labour; and legislation, if paternal, as it should be,
ought to protect the toiler in all instances--not in the few in which
it attempts to ameliorate his condition. So with every pursuit or
avocation, the leisure essential to health and happiness is too often