incapacitated from success in many pursuits of life without his
suffering thereby, except in an indirect manner. The imagination, the
noblest manifestation of intellect, may, without judgment, be allowed to
run riot, or abused by its exaltation; and with the faculty of wonder
may lead to superstition, fanaticism and folly. The intellectual
faculties may be altogether weak or almost wanting. In such cases we
have foolishness merging into idiocy.

The examples here given of use, as opposed to neglect, misuse, or abuse,
are simply illustrative of the point in question. They might be extended
in an indefinite degree, especially if it were proposed to enter into
details. They will, however, suffice for the purpose in view, which is
to show that the use of all the powers and faculties granted to us by
the Creator is intended for our benefit, and is conducive to health,
happiness and longevity, but that their neglect or their abuse leads to
misery, pain, affliction, disaster and disease.

The lesson to be conveyed is that moderation is essential in all things.
Why is it that the sickly and the ailing sometimes survive the strong
and hearty? Because suffering has taught the former moderation, whilst
the sense of power leads the latter to excesses which too often prove
fatal. Everyone has, in his experience, known instances of the kind.

But the use and not the neglect or abuse of the faculties is the
observance of the laws of God and Nature. If neglect and misuse of our
faculties lead to loss of power, so their abuse leads to bad conduct and
its pains and penalties. What has been here termed moderation, as a
medium between neglect, use and abuse, is really obedience to the laws
of God and Nature.