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Extremes in Health Reform
341
Diseased children are born because of the gratification of appetite
by the parents. The system did not demand the variety of food
upon which the mind dwelt. Because once in the mind it must be
in the stomach, is a great error, which Christian women should
reject. Imagination should not be allowed to control the wants of the
system. Those who allow the taste to rule, will suffer the penalty of
transgressing the laws of their being. And the matter does not end
here; their innocent offspring also will be sufferers.
The blood-making organs cannot convert spices, mince pies,
pickles, and diseased flesh meats into good blood. And if so much
food is taken into the stomach that the digestive organs are compelled
to overwork in order to dispose of it and to free the system from
irritating substances, the mother does injustice to herself and lays
the foundation of disease in her offspring. If she chooses to eat as
she pleases, and what she may fancy, irrespective of consequences,
she will bear the penalty, but not alone. Her innocent child must
suffer because of her indiscretion.
Great care should be exercised to have the surroundings of the
mother pleasant and happy. The husband and father is under special
responsibility to do all in his power to lighten the burden of the wife
and mother. He should bear, as much as possible, the burden of her
condition. He should be affable, courteous, kind, and tender, and
specially attentive to all her wants. Not half the care is taken of some
women while they are bearing children that is taken of animals in
the stable.
B has been very deficient. While in her best condition of health,
his wife was not provided with a plenty of wholesome food and with
proper clothing. Then, when she needed extra clothing and extra
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food, and that of a simple yet nutritious quality, it was not allowed
her. Her system craved material to convert into blood, but he would
not provide it. A moderate amount of milk and sugar, and a little salt,
white bread raised with yeast for a change, graham flour prepared
in a variety of ways by other hands than her own, plain cake with
raisins, rice pudding with raisins, prunes, and figs, occasionally,
and many other dishes I might mention, would have answered the
demand of appetite. If he could not obtain some of these things, a
little domestic wine would have done her no injury; it would have
been better for her to have it than to do without it. In some cases,