Chapter 13—Heredity
Habits Repeated
231. The physical and mental condition of parents is perpetuated in
their offspring. This is a matter that is not duly considered. Wherever
the habits of the parents are contrary to physical law, the injury done
to themselves will be repeated in future generations. Satan knows
this very well, and he is perpetuating his work through transmission....
Those who will indulge the animal passions and gratify lust will surely
stamp upon their offspring the debasing practices, the grossness, of
their own physical and moral defilement. By physical, mental, and
moral culture all may become co-workers with Christ. Very much
depends upon the parents. It lies with them whether they will bring into
the world children who will prove a blessing or a curse.—
Unpublished
Testimonies, January, 1897
.
232. In past generations if mothers had informed themselves in
regard to the laws of their being, they would have understood that
their constitutional strength, as well as the tone of their morals and
their mental faculties, would in a great measure be represented in their
offspring.—
How to Live, 37
.
233. He should not have committed so great a crime as to bring into
being children that reason must teach him would be diseased, because
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they must receive a miserable legacy from their parents.—
Testimonies
for the Church 2:379
.
Transmission of Disease
234. As a rule every intemperate man who rears children trans-
mits his inclinations and evil tendencies to his offspring; he gives
them disease from his own inflamed and corrupted blood. Licentious-
ness, disease, and imbecility are transmitted as an inheritance of woe
from father to son, and from generation to generation, and this brings
anguish and suffering into the world.—
Testimonies for the Church
4:30
.
53