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THE subject of sex is a
remarkable one, since, though
its phenomena concern us
so much, both directly and
indirectly, and, sooner or
later, it occupies the thoughts
of all, yet all mankind,
as it were, agree to be silent
about it, at least the sexes
commonly one to another.
One of the most interesting
of all human facts is veiled
more completely than any
mystery. It is treated with
such secrecy and awe as surely do not go to any
religion 
I believe that it is unusual even for
the most intimate friends to communicate the
pleasures and anxieties connected with this fact,
—much as external a£fair of love, its comings
and goings, are bruited. The Shakers do not
exaggerate it so much by their manner of speaking
of it, as all mankind by their manner of keeping
silence about it. Not that men should speak on
this or any subject without having anything
worthy to say ; but it is plain that the education
of man has hardly commenced,—there is so little
genuine intercommunication.
In a pure society, the subject of marriage would not be so often avoided from shame and not from reverence, winked out of sight, and hinted at only, but treated naturally and simply,—perhaps simply avoided, like the kindred mysteries. It can not be spoken of for shame, how can it be acted of? But, doubtless, there is far more purity, as well as more impurity, than is apparent.
