Chapter 16—Prenatal Influences
The Importance of Prenatal Influences—The effect of prenatal
influences is by many parents looked upon as a matter of little moment;
but heaven does not so regard it. The message sent by an angel of God,
and twice given in the most solemn manner, shows it to be deserving
of our most careful thought.—
The Ministry of Healing, 372
(1905).
A Contented Spirit Affects Offspring—Every woman about to
become a mother, whatever may be her surroundings, should encourage
constantly a happy, cheerful, contented disposition, knowing that for all
her efforts in this direction she will be repaid tenfold in the physical, as
well as in the moral, character of her offspring. Nor is this all. By habit
she can accustom herself to cheerful thinking, and thus encourage a
happy state of mind and cast a cheerful reflection of her own happiness
of spirit upon her family and those with whom she associates.
And in a very great degree her physical health will be improved.
A force will be imparted to the lifesprings, the blood will not move
sluggishly, as would be the case if she were to yield to despondency and
gloom. Her mental and moral health are invigorated by the buoyancy
of her spirits.—
The Review and Herald, July 25, 1899
. (
Counsels on
Health, 79
.)
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Mother’s Feelings Mold Disposition of Unborn Child—The
thoughts and feelings of the mother will have a powerful influence
upon the legacy she gives her child. If she allows her mind to dwell
upon her own feelings, if she indulges in selfishness, if she is peevish
and exacting, the disposition of her child will testify to the fact. Thus
many have received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies
to evil.—
The Signs of the Times, September 13, 1910
. (
Temperance,
171
.)
If the mother unswervingly adheres to right principles, if she is tem-
perate and self-denying, if she is kind, gentle, and unselfish, she may
give her child these same precious traits of character.—
The Ministry
of Healing, 373
(1905).
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