We should at all times exert all the power within us to live correct and blameless lives in every respect, but particularly so in sexual matters. The happiness, the health, and the lives of families and communities are far more largely dependent upon these matters than is commonly supposed. Those who have led lives of blameless purity, will continue to do so after reading this book; while those who have gone astray will here find every encouragement to set about their reformation at once. If faithful to the teachings recorded in these pages they will bless the day and the occasion that inspired the writer to put his hand to this work. The God of Heaven and Earth knows that the motive that led me to this undertaking was pure, and as solely for the good of humanity, as that purity which prompts a human being to live a blameless life in the sight of his Maker. CHAPTER X. ORIGIN OF THE SEX. From Whence does the Sex Proceed and What Determines It? So much has been written about this matter, and so many foolish, low, and really debasing theories and speculations have been advanced in relation thereto, that I deem it expedient at this time, and in this place, to put forth the true theory of the reproduction of the sexes, one that can endure the test of the most rigid scientific investigation. The only theory upon this subject worthy of notice, must be based upon a principle that will hold good and true throughout all animated nature, not only in the animal, but in the vegetable kingdom as well. The earth is the common mother of the vegetable world; seeds of all kinds fall into her and she brings forth male and female plants according to the seeds planted. The _earth_ certainly does not give the sex to plants for they come forth according to the life inherent in the seed; if this life-force be male, the plant must be male; and if the life-force of the seed be female, the product must be a female plant. The earth can possibly bring forth no other sex than that which the life-force of the seed impels.