SEXUAL HYGIENE 161 



a matter of most serious consequence, and deserving of 

 the most careful deliberation. Too often, matrimony is 

 entered upon without any more substantial assurance 

 of happiness as the result than the individual has of 

 securing a valuable prize who buys a ticket in a lot- 

 tery scheme. In the majority of cases, young people 

 learn more of each other's real character within two 

 weeks after marriage than they discovered during 

 many months of courting. 



Advice about Getting Married.— To every young 

 man and woman we say. Look well before you leap; 

 consider well, carefully, and prayerfully. A reckless 

 leap in the dark is a fearful risk, and will be far more 

 likely to land you in a domestic purgatory than any- 

 where else. Do not be dazzled by a handsome face, an 

 agreeable address, a brilliant or piquant manner. 

 Choose modesty, simplicity, sincerity, morality,— quali- 

 ties of heart and mind,— rather than exterior embel- 

 lishments. 



''It is folly," suggests a friend, ''to give advice on 

 these subjects; for no one will follow advice on this 

 point, no matter how sensible and reasonable he may 

 be on all other subjects. The emotions carry the indi- 

 vidual away, and the reason loses control." This is 

 too true, in nearly all cases. We believe in affection. 

 The emotions have their part to act. We have no sym- 

 pathy with the theories of those who will have all mar- 

 riages made by rule. But reason must be allowed a 

 voice in the matter ; and although there may be a time 

 when the overwhelming force of the emotions may rele- 

 gate reason and judgment into the background, there 

 has been a time previous when the judgment might 

 have held control. Let every young person be most 

 scrupulously careful how he allows emotional excite- 



