114 SALMONIA. 



for the purpose of producing the temporary 

 excitement of organs that had lost their 

 power, and who ultimately fell a victim to 

 this depraved and dangerous practice ; but I 

 will not dwell upon this case, which is well 

 authenticated, and which is equally revolting 

 to good feelings and delicacy. 



Hal. — The laws of nature are all directed 

 by Divine Wisdom for the purpose of preserv- 

 ing life and increasing happiness. Pain seems 

 in all cases to precede the mutilation or de- 

 struction of those organs which are essential 

 to vitality, and for the end of preserving them ; 

 but the mere process of dying seems to be the 

 falling into a deep slumber ; and in animals, 

 who have no fear of death dependent upon 

 imagination, it can hardly be accompanied by 

 very intense suffering. In the human being, 

 moral and intellectual motives constantly ope- 

 rate in enhancing the fear of death, which, 

 without these motives in a reasoning being, 

 would probably become null, and the love of 

 life be lost upon every slight occasion of pain 

 or disgust ; but imagination is creative with 

 respect to both these passions, which, if they 



