Reading and its Influence
317
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
Oh, that the young would reflect upon the influence which exciting
stories have upon the mind! Can you, after such reading, open the
word of God and read the words of life with interest? Do you not find
the book of God uninteresting? The charm of that love story is upon
the mind, destroying its healthy tone and making it impossible for you
to fix your mind upon the important, solemn truths which concern your
eternal interest. You sin against your parents in devoting to such a
poor purpose the time which belongs to them, and you sin against God
in thus using the time which should be spent in devotion to Him
Children, I have a message for you. You are now deciding your
future destiny, and your character building is of that kind which will
exclude you from the Paradise of God.... How sad it is for Jesus, the
world’s Redeemer, to look upon a family where the children have no
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love for God, no respect for the word of God, but are all absorbed
in reading storybooks. The time occupied in this way robs you of a
desire to become effective in household duties; it disqualifies you to
stand at the head of a family, and if continued it will entangle you
more and more closely in Satan’s snare.... Some of the books you read
contain excellent principles, but you read only to get the story. If you
would gather from the books you read that which would help you in
the formation of your character, your reading would do you some good.
But as you take up your books and peruse page after page of them, do
you ask yourself, What is my object in reading? Am I seeking to gain
substantial knowledge? You cannot build a right character by bringing
to the foundation wood, hay, and stubble
Sow in the Mind Seeds of Bible Truth—Between an uncultivated
field and an untrained mind there is a striking similarity. In the minds
of children and youth the enemy sows tares, and unless parents keep
watchful guard, these will spring up to bear their evil fruit. Unceasing
18
Testimonies For The Church 7, 203
.
19
Testimonies For The Church 2, 236
.
20
Letter 32, 1896
.