Chapter 91—The Bible the Most Interesting Book
Both old and young neglect the Bible. They do not make it their
study, the rule of their life. Especially are the young guilty of this
neglect. Most of them find time to read other books, but the book that
points out the way to eternal life is not daily studied. Idle stories are
attentively read, while the Bible is neglected. This book is our guide to
a higher, holier life. The youth would pronounce it the most interesting
book they ever read had not their imagination been perverted by the
reading of fictitious stories.
Youthful minds fail to reach their noblest development when they
neglect the highest source of wisdom,—the word of God. That we
are in God’s world, in the presence of the Creator; that we are made
in His likeness; that He watches over us and loves us and cares for
us,—these are wonderful themes for thought, and lead the mind into
broad, exalted fields of meditation. He who opens mind and heart to
the contemplation of such themes as these will never be satisfied with
trivial, sensational subjects.
The importance of seeking a through knowledge of the Scriptures
can hardly be estimated. “Given by inspiration of God,” able to make
us “wise unto salvation,” rendering the man of God “perfect, throughly
furnished unto all good works” (
2 Timothy 3:15-17
), the Bible has the
highest claim to our reverent attention. We should not be satisfied with
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a superficial knowledge, but should seek to learn the full meaning of
the words of truth, to drink deep of the spirit of the Holy Oracles.—
Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students, 138-139
.
The Portrayal of Sin
Books on sensational topics, published and circulated as a money-
making scheme, might better never be read by the youth. There is
a satanic fascination in such books. The heart-sickening recital of
crimes and atrocities has a bewitching power upon many, exciting
them to see what they can do to bring themselves into notice, even
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