A Solemn Appeal - James White

learned it from others, often commence the habit of
self-abuse about the age of puberty when the
development of the sexual organs and the
establishment of the sexual function produce a
peculiar uneasiness of the parts, to allay which, this
habit is at first almost unconsciously fallen into.
"Of course, the excitement and irritation,
instead of being allayed, are by this means
increased, and the momentary pleasure experienced
induces a repetition of the act, till by-and-by the
habit becomes fully established. This goes on
voluntarily for from three to ten years, till those
who practice it learn from some source that this
habit must, sooner or later, lead them to misery
and, perhaps, destruction; but by this time the
organs have become so weakened, and the system
so impoverished, that, although the habit may be
abandoned, in nine cases out of ten the loss will be
continued in the form of involuntary nocturnal and,
perhaps, diurnal emissions."
Mr. O. S. Fowler says: 'I have known boys not
yet four years old both practice self-abuse and
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