founded on physiology. I have been consulted by persons
who feared, or professed to fear, that if the organs were not exercised
regularly, they would become atrophied, or that in some way impotence
might be the result of chastity. This is the assigned reason for
committing fornication. There exists _no greater_ error than this, or
one more opposed to physiological truth. In the first place, I may state
that I have, after many years' experience, never seen a single instance
of atrophy of the generative organs from this cause. I have, it is true,
met with the complaint--but in what class of cases does it occur? It
arises in all instances from the exactly opposite cause--abuse: the
organs become worn out, and hence arises atrophy. Physiologically
considered, it is not a fact that the power of secreting semen is
annihilated in well-formed adults leading a healthy life and yet
remaining continent. The function goes on in the organ always, from
puberty to old age. Semen is secreted sometimes slowly, sometimes
quickly, and very frequently under the influence of the will. No
continent man need be deterred by this apocryphal fear of atrophy of the
testes from living a chaste life. It is a device of the unchaste--a lame
excuse for their own incontinence, unfounded on any physiological law.
The testes will take care that their action is not interfered with."

Many and many a time have I heard it regretted and bemoaned, on account
of the many troubles they had seemed to cause, that the sexual organs
exist. It is the lewd thoughts and uses to which they are put that
causes all this misery, and there is always that "first thought" which
should not be harbored. Cast away the impure thoughts, rise above them,
and one is safe! Pure thoughts can _never_ lead to harm.

The generative organs, with their functions and uses, are most closely
interwoven with the highest destiny and well being of the race
physically, mentally and spiritually; they are a part of us, without
which there would be no men and women, lovers and loved ones, fathers
and mothers, brothers and sisters. We must then happily accept the
situation as it is, and our bodies, parts and passions as they are; for
they are all indispensable, high and holy, when kept in an orderly and
chaste condition. We only need the above knowledge and its application
to make ourselves as happy in the enjoyment of these organs as it was
designed by our Creator that we should be.

To rise abov