Chapter 13—Frivolous and Exciting Literature
The world is deluged with books that might better be consumed
rather than circulated. Books upon Indian warfare and similar topics,
published and circulated as a money-making scheme, might better
never be read. There is a satanic fascination in these books. The heart-
sickening relation of crimes and atrocities has a bewitching power
upon many youth, exciting in them the desire to bring themselves into
notice, even by the most wicked deeds. There are many works more
strictly historical whose influence is little better. The enormities, the
cruelties, the licentious practices, portrayed in these writings, have
acted as leaven in many minds, leading to the commission of similar
acts. Books that delineate the satanic deeds of human beings are giving
publicity to evil works. The horrible details of crime and misery need
not be lived over, and none who believe the truth for this time should
act a part in perpetuating their memory.
Love stories and frivolous and exciting tales constitute another
class of books that is a curse to every reader. The author may attach a
good moral, and all through his work may weave religious sentiments;
yet in most cases Satan is but clothed in angel robes, the more effec-
tually to deceive and allure. The mind is affected in a great degree
by that upon which it feeds. The readers of frivolous, exciting tales
become unfitted for the duties lying before them. They lead an unreal
life, and have no desire for useful employment, and no desire to search
the Scriptures, to feed upon the heavenly manna. The mind is enfee-
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bled, and loses its power to contemplate the great problems of duty
and destiny.
I have been instructed that the youth are exposed to the greatest
peril from improper reading. Satan is constantly leading both the
youth and those of mature age to be charmed with worthless stories.
Could a large share of the books published be consumed, a plague
would be stayed that is doing a fearful work in weakening the mind
and corrupting the heart. None are so confirmed in right principles
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