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ents should study the laws of nature. They should become acquainted
with the organism of the human body. They need to understand the
functions of the various organs, and their relation and dependence.
They should study the relation of the mental to the physical powers,
and the conditions required for the healthy action of each. To assume
the responsibilities of parenthood without such preparation is a sin.
Far too little thought is given to the causes underlying the mor-
tality, the disease and degeneracy, that exist today even in the most
civilized and favored lands. The human race is deteriorating. More
than one third die in infancy; [
The statement concerning infant
mortality was correct at the time it was written in 1905. However,
modern medicine and proper child care have greatly reduced the
mortality rate in infancy and childhood.—Publishers.
] of those who
reach manhood and womanhood, by far the greater number suffer
from disease in some form, and but few reach the limit of human
life.
Most of the evils that are bringing misery and ruin to the race
might be prevented, and the power to deal with them rests to a great
degree with parents. It is not a “mysterious providence” that removes
the little children. God does not desire their death. He gives them to
the parents to be trained for usefulness here, and for heaven hereafter.
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Did fathers and mothers do what they might to give their children a
good inheritance, and then by right management endeavor to remedy
any wrong conditions of their birth, what a change for the better the
world might see!
The Care of Infants
The more quiet and simple the life of the child, the more favor-
able it will be to both physical and mental development. At all times
the mother should endeavor to be quiet, calm, and self-possessed.
Many infants are extremely susceptible to nervous excitement, and
the mother’s gentle, unhurried manner will have a soothing influence
that will be of untold benefit to the child.
Babies require warmth, but a serious error is often committed
in keeping them in overheated rooms, deprived to a great degree of
fresh air. The practice of covering the infant’s face while sleeping is
harmful, since it prevents free respiration.