2.  In a state of pure nature, where man would have his sexual instincts under full and natural restraint, there would be little, if any, licentiousness, and children would be the result of natural desire, and not the accidents of lust.

3.  This is an age of sensuality; unnatural passions cultivated and indulged.  Young people in the course of their engagement often sow the seed of serious excesses.  This habit of embracing, sitting on the lover’s lap, leaning on his breast, long and uninterrupted periods of secluded companionship, have become so common that it is amazing how a young lady can safely arrive at the wedding day.  While this conduct may safely terminate with the wedding day, yet it cultivates the tendency which often results in excessive indulgencies after the honey-moon is over.

4.  SEPARATE BEDS.—­Many writers have vigorously championed as a reform the practice of separate beds for husband and wife.  While we would not recommend such separation, it is no doubt very much better for both husband and wife, in case the wife is pregnant.  Where people are reasonably temperate, no such ordinary precautions as separate sleeping places may be necessary.  But in case of pregnancy it will add rest to the mother and add vigor to the unborn child.  Sleeping together, however, is natural and cultivates true affection, and it is physiologically true that in very cold weather life is prolonged by husband and wife sleeping together.

5.  THE AUTHORITY OF THE WIFE.—­Let the wife judge whether she desires a separate couch or not.  She has the superior right to control her own person.  In such diseases as consumption, or other severe or lingering diseases, separate beds should always be insisted upon.

6.  THE TIME FOR INDULGENCE.—­The health of the generative functions depends upon exercise, just the same as any other vital organ.  Intercourse should be absolutely avoided just before or after meals, or just after mental excitement or physical exercise.  No wife should indulge her husband when he is under the influence of alcoholic stimulants, for idiocy and other serious maladies are liable to be visited upon the offspring.

7.  RESTRAINT DURING PREGNANCY.—­There is no question but what moderate indulgence during the first few months of pregnancy does not result in serious harm; but people who excessively satisfy their ill-governed passions are liable to pay a serious penalty.

8.  MISCARRIAGE.—­If a woman is liable to abortion or miscarriage, absolute abstinence is the only remedy.  No sexual indulgence during pregnancy can be safely tolerated.

9.  It is better for people not to marry until they are of proper age.  It is a physiological fact that men seldom reach the full maturity or their virile power before the age of twenty-five, and the female rarely attains the full vigor of her sexual powers before the age of twenty.