The higher moral attainment rests in and arises out of the physical
nature. The intellect and the moral structure can be no greater than the
foundation will allow. The appetites are attended by an uneasy sensation
which incites action. There is no moral quality in the appetites
themselves, as can be seen in the brute, but in man with his higher
gifts they become important factors of his moral character. They not
only impel him to action, but bring him into relationship with the
material world and with his fellowmen.
The pleasures accompanying the appetite are legitimate and useful in
their proper indulgence, and are necessary to life and existence. The
child, naturally born, will soon display the uneasiness naturally
attendant upon the appetites and it is the duty of the mothers to supply
the needs in a careful, intelligent manner. A child may be so bodily
impoverished that he will become a moral degenerate, so we would impress
the greatest importance upon the bodily care of the child.