Full resolution (JPEG) - On this page / på denna sida - Chapter XI
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entrusted to our care; for no man who has studied the
structure of the human body, and has studied it with all
his faculties, religious as well as intellectual, can fail to
see and feel that it is not only a matter of policy and
prudence, but also a solemn and holy duty, to guard
this gift of his Creator from violence or pollution.
What, then, can be more foolish and impious than
wilfully to use a drug for the purpose of destroying that
warning sense of fatigue, and urging oneself on to the
direct violation of the solemn message of command that
it conveys ? There are no circumstances whatever,
actual or conceivable, under which its use for such a
purpose can be defended. We are sometimes forced to
make an effort beyond the ordinary and desirable limits
of our strength. If this be of short duration, an effort
of the will is sufficient to carry us through it, unless
the will has been made the perverted slave of drugs.
If the required period of effort exceed the sustaining
power of a healthy will, then it reaches the period at
which a stimulant will be followed by reaction; and
this reaction may in some cases be the bearer of death.
Let us suppose, for example, that the difficulty
I have just narrated had been a serious one — that
mists and snow had surrounded me, and another
twelve hours’ work had been necessary — a brandy
flask, such as tourists commonly carry, if used in
the usual way, would have justified the title of
pocket-pistol by being an implement of suicide. I should
have taken a sip at the commencement of the
difficulty, and pushed on vigorously; then another sip a
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