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A Solemn Appeal - James White

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mental diseases that flesh is heir to. Every remedy<br />

was used, but to no purpose. He gave up his<br />

business, broke off his engagement with his lady,<br />

sought every opportunity to hide himself from the<br />

gaze of his friends and the world, and seemed to be<br />

determined to die.<br />

" 'Thus he remained a most wretched devotee to<br />

the suicidal practice of self-pollution. Professional<br />

advice, and that of his friends, who knew the cause<br />

of his sickness, had no effect upon him.<br />

Sometimes, indeed, he would desist for a few days,<br />

but it seemed to be only to gather new strength,<br />

that he might pursue his ruinous career with greater<br />

energy. About two years ago, he was attacked with<br />

palsy of the whole of one side, and which<br />

continues to this day. Nocturnal emissions,<br />

priapisms, gleet, or a watery discharge from the<br />

urethra, and aches and pains, with frightful visions,<br />

horrid dreams, and idiotic manners, all now present<br />

themselves as the sad result of this disgusting,<br />

criminal, and souldestroying habit. He is now a<br />

mere pest to his friends; and though but<br />

comparatively few persons are aware of the cause<br />

268

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