1. RESOLUTE DESISTENCE.--The first step towards the restoration of
lost manhood is a resolute desistence from these terrible sins. Each
time the temptation is overcome, the power to resist becomes stronger,
and the fierce fire declines. Each time the sin is committed,
its hateful power strengthens, and the fire of lust is increased.
Remember, that you cannot commit these sins, and maintain health and
strength.
2. AVOID BEING ALONE.--Avoid being alone when the temptation comes
upon you to commit self-abuse. Change your thoughts at once; "keep the
heart diligently, for out of it are the issues of life."
3. AVOID EVIL COMPANIONS.--Avoid evil companions, lewd conversation,
bad pictures, corrupt and vicious novels, books, and papers. Abstain
from all intoxicating drinks. These inflame the blood, excite the
passions, and stimulate sensuality; weakening the power of the brain,
they always impair the power of self-restraint. Smoking is very
undesirable. Keep away from the moral pesthouses. Remember that these
houses are the great resort of fallen and depraved men and women.
The music, singing, and dancing are simply a blind to cover the
intemperance and lust, which hold high carnival in these guilded
hells. This, be it remembered, is equally true of the great majority
of the theatres.
4. AVOID STRONG TEA, OR COFFEE.--Take freely of cocoa, milk, and bread
and milk, or oatmeal porridge. Meats, such as beef and mutton, use
moderately. We would strongly recommend to young men of full habit,
vegetarian diet. Fruits in their season, partake liberally; also fresh
vegetables. Brown bread and toast, as also rice, and similar puddings,
are always suitable. Avoid rich pastry and new bread.
5. THREE MEALS A DAY ARE ABUNDANT.--Avoid suppers, and be careful,
if troubled with nightly emissions, not to take any liquid, not
even water, after seven o'clock in the evening, at latest. This will
diminish the secretions of the body, when asleep, and the consequent
emissions, which in the early hours of the morning usually follow
the taking of any kind of drink. Do not be anxious or troubled by an
occasional emission, say, for example, once a fortnight.
6. REST ON A HARD MATTRESS.--Keep the body cool when asleep; heat
arising from a load of bed-clothes, is most undesirable. Turn down the
counterpane, and let the air have free course through the blankets.
7. RELIEVE THE SYSTEM.--As much as possible relieve the system of
urine before going to sleep. On rising, bathe if practicable. If you
cannot bear cold water, take the least possible chill off the water
(cold water, however, is best). If bathing is not practicable, wash
the body with cold water, and keep scrupulously clean. The reaction
caused by cold water, is most desirable. Rub the body dry with a rough
towel. Drink a good draught of cold water.
8. EXERCISE.--Get fifteen minutes' brisk walk, if possible before
breakfast. If any sense of faintness exists, eat a crust of bread, or
biscuit. Be regular in your meals, and do not fear to make a hearty
breakfast. This lays a good foundation for the day. Take daily good,
but not violent exercise. Walk until you can distinctly feel the
tendency to perspiration. This will keep the pores of the skin open
and in healthy condition.
9. MEDICINES.--Take the medicines, if used, regularly and carefully.
Bromide of Potassium is a most valuable remedy in allaying lustful
and heated passions and appetites. Unless there is actual venereal
disease, medicine should be very little resorted to.
10. AVOID THE STREETS AT NIGHT.--Beware of corrupt companions. Fast
young men and women should be shunned everywhere. Cultivate a taste
for good reading and evening studies. Home life with its gentle
restraints, pure friendships, and healthful discipline, should be
highly valued. There is no liberty like that of a well-regulated
home. To large numbers of young men in business houses, home life is
impracticable.
11. BE OF GOOD CHEER AND COURAGE.--Recovery will be gradual, and not
sudden; vital force is developed slowly from within. The object
aimed at by medicine and counsel, is to aid and increase nervous and
physical vigor, and give tone to the demoralized system. Do not pay
the slightest heed to the exaggerated statements of the wretched
quack doctors, who advertise everywhere. Avoid them as you would a
pestilence. Their great object is, through exciting your fears, to get
you into their clutches, in order to oppress you with heavy and unjust
payments. Be careful, not to indulge in fancies, or morbid thoughts
and feelings. Be hopeful, and play the part of a man determined to
overcome.
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