Health is commended to us, not only as among the first of present
goods, but as one, the security of which is placed very much in our own
power; if we will but study and practise the means. It is remarkable,
that, while the healing art is proverbial for its sects and
uncertainties--amid the disputes of homoeopaths and allopaths,
mineralists and herbalists, stimulators and depletors--there is a pretty
general agreement of parties on the laws of hygiene, or the art of
preserving health. We might find here a law, taught by the
constitution of nature, that its Author never intended healing to hold
an important place in the cause of human welfare. He meant it should
be well nigh dispensed with, by the obedience men should pay to laws,
which they may understand.
The full appreciation of these considerations would tend greatly to
establish friendly relations in society; because, first, the good
contemplated is such, that the success of one in seeking, facilitates
the success of all. Secondly, it would abate the strife for
luxuries,--amassing without producing, and cultivating artificial
wants,--most fertile sources of discord. And, thirdly, it would
establish between physicians and their employers, relations the most
agreeable.
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