362 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



of prison bars ; and thus they wax rich by robbery, and 

 thrive by deceit. A terrible recompense awaits them 

 at the final settlement, though they escape so easily 

 now. 



Closing Advice.— We cannot finish this chapter 

 without a few closing words of advice to those who are 

 suffering in any way from the results of sexual trans- 

 gression. We are especially anxious to call attention 

 to a few points of practical and vital interest to all who 

 are suffering in the manner indicated. 



1. Give the matter prompt attention. Do not delay 

 to adopt curative measures under the delusive idea that 

 the difficulty will disappear of itself. Thousands have 

 procrastinated in this way until their constitutions have 

 been so hopelessly undermined as to make treatment of 

 little value. The intrinsic tendency of this disease is 

 to continue to increase. It progresses only in one direc- 

 tion. It never ''gets well of itself," as some have 

 imagined that it may do. Something must be done 

 to effect a cure; and the longer treatment is delayed, 

 the more difficult the case will become. 



2. Begin the work of getting well with a fixed deter- 

 mination to persevere, and never to give over the strug- 

 gle until success is attained, no matter how difficult may 

 be the obstacles to be surmounted. Such an effort will 

 rarely be unsuccessful. One of the greatest impedi- 

 ments to recovery from diseases of this class is the 

 vacillating disposition of nearly all patients suffering 

 from disorders of this character. Make up your mind 

 what course of treatment to pursue, then adhere to it 

 rigidly, until it has received a thorough trial. Do not 

 despair if no very marked results are seen in a week, 

 a month, or even a longer period. The best remedies 

 are among those which ojierate the most slowly. 



