Prenatal Influences
193
The basis of a right character in the future man is made firm by
habits of strict temperance in the mother prior to the birth of her child....
This lesson should not be regarded with indifference
Encourage Cheerful, Contented Disposition—Every woman
about to become a mother, whatever may be her surroundings, should
encourage constantly a happy, cheerful, contented disposition, know-
ing that for all her efforts in this direction she will be repaid tenfold
in the physical, as well as the moral, character of her offspring. Nor
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is this all. She can, by habit, accustom herself to cheerful thinking,
and thus encourage a happy state of mind and cast a cheerful reflec-
tion of her own happiness of spirit upon her family and those with
whom she associates. And in a very great degree will her physical
health 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 power of the will can
resist impressions of the mind and will prove a grand soother of the
nerves. Children who are robbed of that vitality which they should
have inherited of their parents should have the utmost care. By close
attention to the laws of their being a much better condition of things
can be established
Maintain a Peaceful, Trustful Attitude—She who expects to
become a mother should keep her soul in the love of God. Her mind
should be at peace; she should rest in the love of Jesus, practicing the
words of Christ. She should remember that the mother is a laborer
together with God
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9
Good Health, February, 1880
.
10
A Solemn Appeal, 123, 124
.
11
The Signs of the Times, April 9, 1896
.