The lack of proper understanding is in no small measure responsible for
the unfulfilment of (connubial) happiness, and every degree of
discontent and unhappiness may from this cause occur, leading to rupture
of the marriage bond itself. How often do medical men have to deal with
these difficulties, and how fortunate if such difficulties are disclosed
early enough in married life to be rectified. Otherwise how tragic may
be their consequences, and many a case in the Divorce Court has thus
had its origin.
To the foregoing contentions it might be objected you are encouraging
passion. My reply would be, passion is a worthy possession; most men,
who are any good, are capable of passion.
You all enjoy ardent and passionate love in art and literature. Why not
give it a place in real life?
Why some people look askance at passion is because they are confusing it
with sensuality. Sex love without passion is a poor, lifeless thing.
Sensuality, on the other hand, is on a level with gluttony--a physical
excess--detached from sentiment, chivalry, or tenderness.
It is just as important to give sex love its place as to avoid its over
emphasis. Its real and effective restraints are those imposed by a
loving and sympathetic companionship, by the privileges of parenthood,
the exacting claims of career and that civic sense which prompts men to
do social service.
Now that the revision of the Prayer Book is receiving consideration, I
should like to suggest, with great respect, that an addition be made to
the objects of marriage in the Marriage Service, in these terms: "The
complete realisation of the love of this man and this woman, the one for
the other."