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Chapter 1—Prenatal Influence
Where Reform Should Begin
—The efforts of our temperance
workers are not sufficiently far-reaching to banish the curse of intem-
perance from our land. Habits once formed are hard to overcome.
The reform should begin with the mother before the birth of her chil-
dren; and if God’s instructions were faithfully obeyed, intemperance
would not exist.
It should be the constant effort of every mother to conform her
habits to God’s will, that she may work in harmony with Him to
preserve her children from the health- and life-destroying vices
of the present day. Let mothers place themselves without delay
in right relations to their Creator, that they may by His assisting
grace build around their children a bulwark against dissipation and
intemperance.—
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 225, 226
.
The Habits of the Father and the Mother
—As a rule, every
intemperate man who rears children, transmits his inclinations and
evil tendencies to his offspring.—
The Review and Herald, November
21, 1882
.
The child will be affected for good or evil by the habits of the
mother. She must herself be controlled by principle, and must prac-
tice temperance and self-denial, if she would seek the welfare of her
child.—
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 218
.
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The Birthright of Evil Tendencies
—The thoughts and feelings
of the mother will have a powerful influence upon the legacy she
gives her child. If she allows her mind to dwell upon her own
feelings, if she indulges in selfishness, if she is peevish and exacting,
the disposition of her child will testify to the fact. Thus many have
received as a birthright almost unconquerable tendencies to evil.
The enemy of souls understands this matter much better than do
many parents. He will bring his temptations to bear upon the mother,
knowing that if she does not resist him, he can through her affect
her child. The mother’s only hope is in God. She may flee to Him
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