h.

Therefore, let no one be discouraged, no matter how far he, or she, has
strayed from the paths of virtue or how much suffering has been entailed
thereby. In connection with the physician's help, aid yourself. Have
courage! Let the invincible will lead on unflinchingly--upheld by pure
thoughts, and good actions will surely follow. "Desire is really
dangerous only when it brings voluptuous pictures incessantly before the
imagination. It thus holds a thousand conflicts with virtue which it
conquers in the end; it installs itself in the bosom of the intelligence
of which it becomes the habitual pre-occupation." Seek therefore for
only pure thoughts.

We should at all times exert all the power within us to live correct and
blameless lives in every respect, but particularly so in sexual matters.
The happiness, the health, and the lives of families and communities are
far more largely dependent upon these matters than is commonly supposed.
Those who have led lives of blameless purity, will continue to do so
after reading this book; while those who have gone astray will here find
every encouragement to set about their reformation at once. If faithful
to the teachings recorded in these pages they will bless the day and the
occasion that inspired the writer to put his hand to this work. The God
of Heaven and Earth knows that the motive that led me to this undertaking
was pure, and as solely for the good of humanity, as that purity which
prompts a human being to live a blameless life in the sight of his Maker.

CHAPTER X.

ORIGIN OF THE SEX.

From Whence does the Sex Proceed and What Determines It?

So much has been written about this matter, and so many foolish, low,
and really debasing theories and speculations have been advanced in
relation thereto, that I deem it expedient at this time, and in this
place, to put forth the true theory of the reproduction of the sexes,
one that can endure the test of the most rigid scientific investigation.
The only theory upon this subject worthy of notice, must be based upon a
principle that will hold good and true throughout all animated nature,
not only in the animal, but in the vegetable kingdom as well.

The earth is the common mother of the vegetable world; seeds of all
kinds fall into her and she brings forth male and female plants
according to the seeds planted. The _earth_ certainly does not give the
sex to plants for they come forth according to the life inherent in