60
Testimony Studies on Diet and Foods
and special care as to the quality of food eaten, it is in this important
period.
Women who possess principle, and who are well instructed, will
not depart from simplicity of diet at this time of all others. They will
consider that another life is dependent upon them, and will be careful
in all their habits, and especially in diet. They should not eat that which
is innutritious and exciting, simply because it tastes good. There are
too many counselors ready to persuade them to do things which reason
would tell them they ought not to do.
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. Imagi-
nation 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, pick-
les 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 irri-
tating 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....
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 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, 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