As soon as its far-reaching significance to themselves and to their children is generally perceived by parents and young people, men and women who genuinely love each other will voluntarily give and absolutely require a medical certificate before marriage. Before undertaking the responsibility of parenthood, both mother and father should put themselves into the best possible physical and spiritual condition, and if necessary, go through as thorough a course of training as that of any aspirant for an athletic prize or of any priest for a great spiritual work. The Vedas, the sacred books of the Hindoos, contained special prayers for those about to assume this creative work.
Nature has provided one effective, safe, and ethical method of limiting the birth rate in the family, a method that is entirely in the control of parents. This method is abstinence, except for the end to which nature implanted this instinct,—the creation of a new life. It is conducive to the welfare of the children. This is in no wise harmful to the physical, mental, social, or spiritual well-being of men and women, if both are temperamentally adapted to each other, mutually agreed, and thoroughly honest with each other; if they have learned to transmute this instinct and energy to other activities; and if their recreations, personal hygiene, and adjustment of daily living are normal and wholesome, not artificially stimulating.
In conclusion, to quote from two English writers:
“By no other means than the realization of the ideal that every new baby shall be loved and desired in anticipation—an ideal that is perfectly practicable—can the black stain of child murder and child torture and neglect be removed from our civilization.”
—Saleeby.
“Hitherto the development of our race has been unconscious, and we have been allowed no responsibility for its right course. Now in the fullness of time we are treated as children no more, and the conscious fashioning of the human race is given into our hands. Let us put away childish things, stand up with open eyes, and face our responsibilities.”
—Whetham.
CHAPTER V
GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
“The child should know no other endeavor but to be at every stage of development wholly what this stage calls for. Then will each successive stage spring like a new shoot from a healthy bud; and at each successive stage he will with the same endeavor again accomplish the requirements of this stage; for only the adequate development of man at each preceding stage can effect and bring about adequate development at each succeeding later stage.”
—F. FROEBEL.