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Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
the parents to counteract the evil tendencies which they have given to
their children! How earnestly and diligently should the parents work
to do their duty, in faith and hope, to their unfortunate offspring!
Parents should make it their first business to understand the laws of
life and health, that nothing shall be done by them in the preparation of
food, or through any other habits, which will develop wrong tendencies
in their children. How carefully should mothers study to prepare
their tables with the most simple, healthful food, that the digestive
organs may not be weakened, the nervous forces unbalanced, and the
instruction which they should give their children counteracted, by the
food placed before them. This food either weakens or strengthens the
organs of the stomach, and has much to do in controlling the physical
and moral health of the children, who are God’s blood-bought property.
What a sacred trust is committed to parents, to guard the physical and
moral constitutions of their children, so that the nervous system may be
well balanced, and the soul not be endangered! Those who indulge the
appetite of their children, and do not control their passions, will see the
terrible mistake they have made, in the tobacco-loving, liquor-drinking
slave, whose senses are benumbed, and whose lips utter falsehoods
and profanity.
Testimonies for the Church 9:160-161
Fathers and mothers, watch unto prayer. Guard strictly against
intemperance in every form. Teach your children the principles of
true health reform. Teach them what things to avoid in order to pre-
serve health. Already the wrath of God has begun to be visited upon
the children of disobedience. What crimes, what sins, what iniqui-
tous practices, are being revealed on every hand! As a people, we
are to exercise great care in guarding our children against depraved
associates.
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