624 DECLINE OF THE SYSTEM. 



tion of the blood in the lungs, cannot survive 

 the interruption of this function ; and on the 

 heart ceasing to throb, death may then be consi- 

 dered as complete in every part of the system. 



It is an important consideration, with refer- 

 ence to final causes, that generally long before 

 the commencement of this 



" Last scene of all, 

 That ends this strange eventful history," 



the power of feeling has wholly ceased, and the 

 physical struggle is carried on by the vital 

 powers alone, in the absence of all consciousness 

 of the sentient being, whose death may be said 

 to precede, for some time, that of the body. In 

 this, as well as in the gradual decline of the sen- 

 sorial faculties, and the consequent diminution 

 both of mental and of physical sensibility in 

 advanced age, we cannot fail to recognise the 

 wise ordinances of a superintending and bene- 

 ficent providence, kindly smoothing the path 

 along which we descend the vale of life, spread- 

 ing a narcotic mantle over the bed of death, and 

 giving to the last moments of departing sensa- 

 tion the tranquillity of approaching sleep. 



