396 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



The Results of One Transgression. —The fol- 

 lowing case is a good illustration of the fact that a 

 long course of transgression is not necessary to occa- 

 sion the most serious results. A young man from an 

 Eastern State, who visited us for treatment, was suf- 

 fering from the usual consequences of self-abuse; but 

 he asserted in the most emphatic manner that he had 

 never committed the act of self-pollution but once in 

 his life. He had, however, after that one vile act, 

 allowed his mind to run upon vile thoughts, giving 

 loose rein to his imagination, and in consequence he 

 found himself as bad off, sutf ering with the very same 

 disorders, as those who had practiced the vice for 

 some time. 



Not the slightest dallying with sin is safe. The 

 maintenance of perfect purity and chastity of body 

 and mind is the only right and safe course. By a few 

 months' treatment the young man recovered his health 

 in a great measure, and, marrying an estimable young 

 lady, settled down happily in life. Many tears of re- 

 morse and repentance did he shed over that one sinful 

 act, and bitterly did he reproach the evil companion 

 who taught him to sin ; but he was fortunate enough to 

 escape without suffering the worst effects of the sin, 

 and is now living a reformed and happy life. 



A Hospital Case. — One of the most wretched 

 creatures we ever saw among the many sufferers from 

 sexual excesses which we have met, was a man about 

 thirty years of age whom we found in the large Charity 

 Hospital on Blackwell's Island, New York City. In 

 consequence of long indulgence in the soul-and-body- 

 destroying habit, he had brought upon himself, not 

 only the most serious and painful disease of the sexual 

 organs themselves, but disease of the bladder and other 



