of death?

Just think of giving a life so full of grief that those who have it do
not want it and quite often destroy it! No wonder that drugs more
powerful than our minds, used to numb the pains of life, are so much in
demand and so universally used.

What a ridiculous assumption it is to think that a soul, separate and
distinct from the body, would imprison itself in such a miserable
confinement!

Instead of life's being a privilege, it is a prison, wherein we must
suffer fearful pains and still more fearful thoughts. Physical pain
registers a high degree of intense feverish suffering, but mental
torture is fired with the scorch of hell.

VI

Human life is the cheapest thing that God makes! No consideration is
given to the feelings, pains and sorrows it must bear and endure.

No wonder that ridicule, shame, hatred and other forms of mental
suffering cannot be withstood by some frail minds, and cause them to
seek relief from their torment.

Under the red-hot brand of mental torture, the jealous husband sees his
wife violate every rule and principle and vow of virtue. He sees her
reveling in the arms and embrace of him that he despises, committing
trespass upon the one he so loves.

The husband suffers more mentally in a few moments of these imaginings,
than the actual performance, with his full knowledge, could cause him to
suffer.

Losses, mistakes, discouragements and disappointments scorch with
burning blisters the lining of our lives.

I once thought it was cowardly to make destruction of oneself, but I
must say that more mature thought, supported by actual scenes and
experiences, has caused me to alter my view.

But before I go farther, let me make my thought clear so as to avoid any
misunderstanding.

I do not mean that a person should shirk his or her duty in the face of
hardship, discouragement or rebuke. On the contrary, the mettle of the
man is best tested by such adverse forces, and some of the most
inspiring moments of life lie in overcoming these conditions and
triumphing over unjust, undue and seemingly impossible odds. What I do
mean is, when life no longer holds any attraction, when the ravages of
disease have torn and mutilated your body, when pain and torture are
raking your mind, and your daily companions are these miseries, with no
possible hope of their relief or change, then by all means, by whatever
agency you desire to accomplish it, save yourself the terrible agony of
l