330 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOXTNG 



result of the mental Onanism which he had practiced 

 without imagining the possibility of harm. 



Control of the Thoughts. — But it is not true 

 that control of the thoughts is impossible. Thoughts 

 are the result of the action of the brain ; and the action 

 of the brain may be controlled as well as the movements 

 of a voluntary muscle. It may be more difficult, es- 

 pecially when the resolution is weakened, as it is by 

 this vice; but so long as there are left any remnants 

 of will and reason, control is possible. To strengthen 

 the will must be one of the objects of mental treatment, 

 and exercise is the method by which it may be accom- 

 plished. The thing for a sufferer to say is not "I 

 can't" but "I can and I will control my thoughts." 

 Suggestions which will aid in accomplishing this have 

 already been given under the heading, ^'Cure of the 

 Habit." 



"We cannot forbear to add a word further respect- 

 ing the worth of religion in aiding these sufferers. If 

 there is any living creature who needs the help of true 

 religion, of faith in God, in Christ, and in the efficacy 

 of prayer, it is one of these. If there is any poor mortal 

 who cannot afford to be deprived of the aid of a sym- 

 pathizing Saviour, it is one who has enervated his will, 

 degraded his soul, and depraved his body by the vile 

 habit of self-abuse. A compassionate Eedeemer will 

 succor even these defiled ones, if they truly ''hunger 

 and thirst" after purity, and if they set about the work 

 of reforming themselves in good earnest, and with right 

 motives. 



Exercise. — Physical exercise is a most powerful 

 aid to pure thoughts. Wlien unchaste ideas intrude, 

 engage at once in something which will demand ener- 

 getic muscular exercise. Pursue the effort until fa- 



