A Solemn Appeal - James White

Matrimonial excesses
"Very much of the nervousness and hysteria so
common among women, arises from abuses of the
sexual function: in single life it is often the result
of excitement of the sexual organs, induced by
reading 'love-sick' novels, and cherishing
lascivious thoughts, while in married life it is from
the overtaxation of the nervous system by marital
excesses.
"I know the heart-history of many noble, hightoned
women, whose whole being revolts at the use
to which they are put! Yet their ideas of domestic
peace are so exalted that, loyal and true, they
submit themselves a constant sacrifice, and, by the
mere force of will, keep alive the fire of love
within their tortured souls; living martyrs are they,
daily enduring a fiercer ordeal than any to which
the Christian martyrs were subjected. Many of
these husbands are all the wife could ask, except in
this one thing, and never dream but that they love
those whom they have promised to'honor and
118