320 NATURAL THEOLOaY. 



ficult to apply them in the detail. Our speculations, there- 

 fore, are perhaps better employed when they confine them- 

 selves within a narrower circle. 



The observations Avhich follow are of this more limited, 

 but more determinate kind. 



Of bodily paiii, the principal observation, no doubt, is 

 that w^hich we have already made and already dwelt upon, 

 namely, " that it is seldom the object of contrivance ; that 

 when it is so, the contrivance rests ultimately in good." 



To which, however, may be added, that the annexing ol 

 pain to the means of destruction is a salutary provision ; 

 inasmuch as it teaches vigilance and caution : both gives 

 notice of danger, and excites those endeavors which may be 

 necessary to preservation. The evil consequence which 

 sometimes arises from the want of that timely intimation of 

 danger which pain gives, is known to the mhabitants of cold 

 countries by the example of frost-bitten limbs. I have con- 

 versed with patients who had lost toes and fingers by this 

 cause. They have in general told me, that they were totally 

 unconscious of any local uneasiness at the time. Some I 

 have heard declare, that while they were about their em- 

 ployment, neither their situation nor the state of the air was 

 unpleasant. They felt no pain, they suspected no mischief, 

 till, by the application of warmth, they discovered, too late, 

 the fatal injury which some of their extremities had suffered 

 I say that this shows the use of pain, and that we stand in 

 need of such a monitor, I believe also, that the use extends 

 farther than we suppose, or can now trace ; that to disa- 

 greeable sensations we and all animals owe, or have owed, 

 many habits of action which are salutary, but which are be- 

 come so familiar as not easily to be referred to their origin. 



Pain also itself is not without its alleviations. It may 

 be violent and frequent, but it is seldom both violent and 

 long-continued ; and its pauses and intermissions beccmo 

 positive pleasures. It has the power of shedding a satisfac- 

 tion over intervals of ease, which I believe few enjoyments 



