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Christian Youth and their Books, August 23
Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things
are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure,
whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good
report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on
these things.
Philippians 4:8
.
Those who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices, must guard well
the avenues of the soul; they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that
which will suggest impure thoughts.
Many of the popular publications of the day are filled with sensa-
tional stories that are educating the youth in wickedness and leading
them in the path to perdition. Mere children in years are old in a knowl-
edge of crime. They are incited to evil by the tales they read.... The seeds
of lawlessness are sown broadcast. None need marvel that a harvest of
crime is the result.
The readers of fiction are indulging an evil that destroys spirituality,
eclipsing the beauty of the sacred page. It creates an unhealthy excite-
ment, fevers the imagination, unfits the mind for usefulness, weans the
soul from prayer, and disqualifies it for any spiritual exercise.
Suffer not yourselves to open the lids of a book that is questionable.
There is a hellish fascination in the literature of Satan. It is the powerful
battery by which he tears down a simple religious faith. Never feel that
you are strong enough to read infidel books; for they contain a poison
like that of asps.
Young men and young women, read the literature that will give you
true knowledge, and that will be a help to the entire family. Say firmly:
“I will not spend precious moments in reading that which will be of no
profit to me, and which only unfits me to be of service to others.... I will
close my eyes to frivolous and sinful things.”
The oftener and more diligently you study the Bible, the more beau-
tiful will it appear, and the less relish you will have for light reading.
Bind this precious volume to your hearts. It will be to you a friend and
guide.
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