d with no one to warn him,
finds momentary pleasure in its practice, and so contracts a habit which
grows upon him, undermining his health, poisoning his mind, arresting his
development, and laying the foundation for future misery.

17. "Do not read this book and forget it, for it contains earnest and
living truths. Do not let false modesty stand in your way, but from this
time on keep this thought in mind--'the saving of your boy.' Follow its
teachings and you will bless God as long as you live. Read it to your
neighbors, who, like yourself, have growing boys, and urge them for the
sake of humanity to heed its advice. {394}

18. "Right here we want to emphasize the importance of _cleanliness_. We
verily believe that oftentimes these habits originate in a burning and
irritating sensation about the organs, caused by a want of thorough
washing.

19. "It is worthy of note that many eminent physicians now advocate the
custom of circumcision, claiming that the removal of a little of the
foreskin induces cleanliness, thus preventing the irritation and excitement
which come from the gathering of the whiteish matter under the foreskin at
the beginning of the glands. This irritation being removed, the boy is less
apt to tamper with his sexual organs. The argument seems a good one,
especially when we call to mind the high physical state of those people who
have practiced the custom.

20. "Happy is the mother who can feel she has done her duty, in this
direction, while her boy is still a child. For those mothers, though, whose
little boys have now grown to boyhood with the evil still upon them, and
_you_, through ignorance, permitted it, we would say, 'Begin at once; it is
never too late.' If he has not lost all will power, he can be saved. Let
him go in confidence to a reputable physician and follow his advice. Simple
diet, plentiful exercise in open air and congenial employment will do much.
Do not let the mind dwell upon evil thoughts, shun evil companions, avoid
vulgar stories, sensational novels, and keep the thoughts pure.

21. "Let him interest himself in social and benevolent affairs, participate
in Sunday-school work, farmers' clubs, or any organizations which tend to
elevate and inspire noble sentiment. Let us remember that 'a perfect man is
the noblest work of God.' God has given us a life which is to last forever,
and the little time we spend on earth is as nothing to the ages which we
are to spend in the world bey