reased.
10. Boys who marry young derive but little enjoyment from the
connubial state. They are liable to excesses and thereby lose much of
the vitality and power of strength and physical endurance.
11. LONG LIFE.--Statistics show that married men live longer than
bachelors. Child-bearing for women is conducive to longevity.
12. COMPLEXION.--Marriage purifies the complexion, removes blotches
from the skin, invigorates the body, fills up the tones of the voice,
gives elasticity and firmness to the step, and brings health and
contentment to old age.
13. TEMPTATIONS REMOVED.--Marriage sanctifies a home, while adultery
and libertinism produce unrest, distrust and misery. It must
be remembered that a married man can practice the most absolute
continence and enjoy a far better state of health than the licentious
man. The comforts of companionship develop purity and give rest to the
soul.
14. TOTAL ABSTENTION.--It is no doubt difficult for some men to fully
abstain from sexual intercourse and be entirely chaste in mind.
The great majority of men experience frequent strong sexual desire.
Abstention is very apt to produce in their minds voluptuous images and
untamable desires which require an iron will to banish or control. The
hermit in his seclusion, or the monk in his retreat, are often flushed
with these passions and trials. It is, however, natural; for remove
these passions and man would be no longer a man. It is evident that
the natural state of man is that of marriage; and he who avoids that
state is not in harmony with the laws of his being.
[Illustration: AN ALGERIAN BRIDE.]
15. PROSTITUTION.--Men who inherit strong passions easily argue
themselves into the belief either to practice masturbation or visit
places of prostitution, on the ground that their health demands it.
Though medical investigation has proven it repeatedly to be false, yet
many believe it. The consummation of marriage involves the mightiest
issues of life and is the most holy and sacred right recognized by
man, and it is the Balm of Gilead for many ills. Masturbation or
prostitution soon blight the brightest prospects a young man may have.
Manhood is morality and purity of purpose, not sensuality.
* * * * *
DISADVANTAGES OF CELIBACY.
1. To live the life of a bachelor has many advantages and many
disadvantages. The man who commits neither fornication, adultery nor
secret vice, and is pure in mind
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