It is then the normal condition to wish to live, and a most abnormal one to wish to die; and with many there is even a further aspiration, and that is to prolong a life which, with all its drawbacks, is to so many a desirable state of things.

Examples of rare longevity are carefully treasured up and even placed on record.  As whenever a human being is carried away, causes from which we are supposed to be free, or against which we take precautions, are complacently sought for, so instances of longevity are studied to discover what habits and manners, what system of diet, or conduct, and which environing circumstances, have most tended to ensure such a result.

Numerous treatises have been written on the subject, both in this country and on the continent; but it cannot be said that the result has been eminently satisfactory.  When carefully inquired into, it has been found that the most contradictory state of things has been in existence.  It is not always to the strong that long life is given, nor is such, as often supposed, hereditary.  Riches and the comforts and luxuries they place at man’s disposal no more conduce to long life than poverty.  Even moderation and temperance, so universally admitted as essentials to health and long life, are found to have their exceptions in well-attested cases of prolongation of life with the luxurious and self-indulgent and even in the intemperate and the inebriate.  Strange to say, even health is not always conducive to long life.  There is a common proverb (and most proverbs are founded upon experience) about creaking hinges, and so it is that people always ailing have been known to live 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.