It should be clearly explained to him that true chastity requires the shunning of all indecency and foul language; that he should refrain from touching his secret parts except when the necessities of nature require it; that all sexual emotions should be subjugated. When he grows older every boy should be taught that chastity means continence; and it should be firmly impressed upon his mind that all lascivious actions are a drain upon his whole system and weaken the powers which the Lord has given him to be employed _only_ in the married state. These are characteristics of a true man and will help him very much to keep out of sexual difficulties which, as we shall see further on, are among the greatest curses of life. The use of tobacco, wine, coffee or tea by children is well known to be highly injurious. Never allow a child to use either of these--not even in small quantities. A too common practice in many families is to allow a little wine at dinner "to assist digestion!" Others allow coffee or tea, "because my child is so fond of it." "The after-effects of all these is to disturb the heart, to cause nervousness and irritability, and _to weaken the sexual organs in a marked degree_. Tobacco particularly has this last effect in old and young, besides producing convulsions, a dulled intellect, etc."[D] [D] Lallemand and Wilson. Remember where the brain is and the purposes for which it has been given! Here reside the knowledge and the power to govern all below it. No matter what the stomach craves or how strongly the appetite begs for this or that; no matter how much one may be tempted to steal, to lie or to swear; no matter how much the sexual organs may lead one to think about or handle them--here is the great and good brain, the home of the will-power, which says: "Touch not, taste not, handle not." So long as these commands are listened to and obeyed, one is safe. The desire need not and should not control the act--but the rational faculty can and will control, when early taught to do so. The more one is led by this rational faculty the easier it becomes to follow it, and _vice versa_.