Searchlights on Health: The Science of EugenicsJefferis, B. G. (Benjamin Grant)
Philosophy
Searchlights on Health: The Science of Eugenics
Jefferis, B. G. (Benjamin Grant)
Eugenics; Hygiene; Marriage; Medicine, Popular; Sexual ethics
18. "Right here we want to emphasize the importance of _cleanliness_.
We verily believe that oftentimes these habits originate in a burning
and irritating sensation about the organs, caused by a want of
thorough washing.
19. "It is worthy of note that many eminent physicians now advocate
the custom of circumcision, claiming that the removal of a little of
the foreskin induces cleanliness, thus preventing the irritation and
excitement which come from the gathering of the whiteish matter under
the foreskin at the beginning of the glands. This irritation being
removed, the boy is less apt to tamper with his sexual organs. The
argument seems a good one, especially when we call to mind the high
physical state of those people who have practiced the custom.
20. "Happy is the mother who can feel she has done her duty, in this
direction, while her boy is still a child. For those mothers, though,
whose little boys have now grown to boyhood with the evil still upon
them, and _you_, through ignorance, permitted it, we would say, 'Begin
at once; it is never too late.' If he has not lost all will power, he
can be saved. Let him go in confidence to a reputable physician and
follow his advice. Simple diet, plentiful exercise in open air and
congenial employment will do much. Do not let the mind dwell upon
evil thoughts, shun evil companions, avoid vulgar stories, sensational
novels, and keep the thoughts pure.
21. "Let him interest himself in social and benevolent affairs,
participate in Sunday-school work, farmers' clubs, or any
organizations which tend to elevate and inspire noble sentiment. Let
us remember that 'a perfect man is the noblest work of God.' God has
given us a life which is to last forever, and the little time we spend
on earth is as nothing to the ages which we are to spend in the world
beyond; so our earthly life is a very important part of our existence,
for it is here that the foundation is laid for either happiness or
misery in the future. It is here that we decide our destiny, and our
efforts to know and obey God's laws in our bodies as well as in
our souls will not only bring blessings to us in this life, but
never-ending happiness throughout eternity."
22. A QUESTION. How can a father chew and smoke tobacco, drink and
swear, use vulgar language, tell obscene stories, and raise a family
of pure, clean-minded children? LET THE ECHO ANSWER.
[Illustration: "SUFFER LITTLE CHILDREN, AND FORBID THEM NOT, TO COME
UNTO ME: FOR OF SUCH IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN-"--_MATT. 19:14_]
* * * * *
THE INHUMANITIES OF PARENTS.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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