ogether after the ceremony has been performed is called the
consummation of marriage. Many grave errors have been committed by people
in this, when one or both of the contracting parties were not physically or
sexually in a condition to carry out the marriage relation. A marriage,
however, is complete without this in the eyes of the law, as it is a maxim
taken from the Roman civil statutes that consent, not cohabitation, is the
binding element in the ceremony. Yet, in most States of the U.S., and in
some other countries; marriage is legally declared void and of no effect
where it is not possible to consummate the marriage relation. A divorce may
be obtained provided the injured party begins the suit.

3. TEST OF VIRGINITY.--The consummation of marriage with a virgin is not
necessarily attended with a flow of blood, and the absence of this sign is
not the slightest presumption against her former chastity. The true test of
virginity is modesty void of any disagreeable familiarity. A sincere
Christian faith is one of the best recommendations.

4. LET EVERY MAN REMEMBER that the legal right of marriage does not carry
with it the moral right to injure for life the loving companion he has
chosen. Ignorance may be the cause, but every man before he marries should
know something of the physiology and the laws of health, and we here give
some information which is of very great importance to every newly-married
man.

5. SENSUALITY.--Lust crucifies love. The young sensual husband is generally
at fault. Passion sways and the duty to bride and wife is nor thought of,
and so a modest young wife is often actually forced and assaulted by the
unsympathetic haste of her husband. An amorous man in that way soon
destroys his own love, and thus is laid the foundation for many
difficulties that soon develop trouble and disturb the happiness of both.

6. ABUSE AFTER MARRIAGE.--Usually marriage is consummated within a day or
two after the ceremony, but this is {203} gross injustice to the bride. In
most cases she is nervous, timid, and exhausted by the duties of
preparation for the wedding, and in no way in a condition, either in body
or mind, for the vital change which the married relation bring upon her.
Many a young husband often lays the foundation of many diseases of the womb
and of the nervous system in gratifying his unchecked passions without a
proper regard for his wife's exhausted condition.

7. THE FIRST CONJUGAL APPROACHES are u