The physicians, by much study and practice, have become very skillful in overcoming and curing disease, and more dependence is now had on their services for prolonging life than on any other means for that purpose. Important as the preservation of health is to mankind, few appear to be willing to use means for preserving it, some of which are irksome and others counteract the cravings of nature. These latter differ widely in persons, and consequently are easier overcome by some than others. Many men of strong constitutions, in healthy employments, have little need of being strictly temperate, or to use extraordinary means to preserve health. The three first verses of the XXIII chapter of the Proverbs of Solomon are very applicable in respect to making choice of a great variety of food and drink such as Rulers of his time furnished. Now as man is composed of both body and a comprehensive and intelligent mind, which latter is subject to pleasure and pain, happiness and misery, it is necessary to use our best means for the welfare of both; and as a large field is opened by the acquisitions mentioned, for the enjoyment of the mind as well as of the body, and also a large field for speculative objects, many of which are of a pernicious character, it becomes necessary to select such as will promote happiness and to shun those which are attended with dangerous consequences, both in respect to suffering corporeal punishment and the torments of a guilty conscience. The most perfect course of life creates the easiest journey, but a perfect guidance in all respects is beyond the comprehension of man, and would not be fully pursued even if understood. Our country is filled with preachers to expound the laws of God and dictate the walks of life, yet men err to such a degree from a perfect life as to make it necessary to have many codes of civil law, and a great number of civil officers versed therein to prevent imposition and sustain the rights of man.