182
Healthful Living
945. The young indulge to quite an extent in this vice before the
age of puberty, without experiencing at the time, to any very great
degree, the evil results upon the constitution. But at this critical period,
while merging into manhood and womanhood, nature makes them feel
the previous violation of her laws.—
A Solemn Appeal, 57
.
946. Many sink into an early grave, while others have sufficient
force of constitution to pass this ordeal. If the practise is continued
from the age of fifteen and upwards, nature will protest against the
abuse she has suffered and continues to suffer, and will make them
pay the penalty of the transgression of her laws, especially from the
ages of thirty to forty-five, by numerous pains in the system, and
various diseases, such as affection of the liver and lungs, neuralgia,
rheumatism, affection of the spine, diseased kidneys, and cancerous
humors.... There is often a sudden breaking down of the constitution;
and death is the result.—
A Solemn Appeal, 63, 64
.
Mental Effects
947. Have you not noticed that there was a deficiency in the mental
health of your children? that their course seemed to be marked with
extremes? that they were absent-minded? that they started nervously
when spoken to, and were easily irritated? Have you not noticed that,
when occupied upon a piece of work, they would look dreamingly, as
though the mind was elsewhere? And when they came to their senses,
[222]
they were unwilling to own the work as coming from their hands, it
was so full of mistakes, and showed such marks of inattention. Have
you not been astonished at their wonderful forgetfulness? The most
simple and oft-repeated directions would often be forgotten. They
might be quick to learn, but it would be of no special benefit to them;
the mind would not retain it. What they might learn through hard study,
when they would use their knowledge, is missing, lost through their
sieve-like memories. Have you not noticed their reluctance to engage
in active labor, and their unwillingness to perseveringly accomplish
that which they have undertaken, which taxes the mental as well as the
physical strength?—
A Solemn Appeal, 50
.
948. Have you not witnessed the gloomy sadness upon the coun-
tenance, and frequent exhibitions of a morose temper in those who
once were cheerful, kind, and affectionate? They are easily excited