Danger from Improper Reading
As I see the danger that threatens the youth from improper reading
I cannot forbear to present still further the warnings given me in regard
to this great evil.
The harm that results to the workers from handling matter of
an objectionable character is too little realized. Their attention is
arrested and their interest aroused by the subject matter with which
they are dealing. Sentences are imprinted in the memory. Thoughts
are suggested. Almost unconsciously the reader is influenced by the
spirit of the writer, and mind and character receive an impress for evil.
There are some who have little faith and little power of self-control,
and it is difficult for them to banish the thoughts suggested by such
literature.
Before accepting the present truth, some had formed the habit of
novel reading. Upon uniting with the church, they made an effort to
overcome this habit. To place before this class reading similar to that
which they have discarded is like offering intoxicants to the inebriate.
Yielding to the temptation continually before them, they soon lose their
relish for solid reading. They have no interest in Bible study. Their
moral power becomes enfeebled. Sin appears less and less repulsive.
There is manifest an increasing unfaithfulness, a growing distaste for
life’s practical duties. As the mind becomes perverted, it is ready to
grasp any reading of a stimulating character. Thus the way is open for
Satan to bring the soul fully under his domination.
Works that do not so decidedly mislead and corrupt are yet to be
shunned if they impart a disrelish for the study of the Bible. This word
is the true manna. Let all repress the desire for reading matter that is
[204]
not food for the mind. You cannot possibly do the work of God with
clear perception while the mind is occupied with this class of reading.
Those who are in God’s service should spend neither time nor money
for light reading. What is the chaff to the wheat?
There is no time for engaging in trifling amusements, the gratifi-
cation of selfish propensities. It is time that you were occupied with
178