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The Publishing Ministry
inebriates. Intemperate habits of reading have an effect upon the brain
similar to that which intemperate habits of eating and drinking have
upon the body.
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
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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.—
The Adventist
Home, 414, 415
.
5. Superficial Matter?—With the immense tide of printed mat-
ter constantly pouring from the press, old and young form the habit
of reading hastily and superficially, and the mind loses its power of
connected and vigorous thought. Furthermore, a large share of the pe-
riodicals and books that, like the frogs of Egypt, are overspreading the
land are not merely commonplace, idle, and enervating, but unclean
and degrading. Their effect is not merely to intoxicate and ruin the
mind, but to corrupt and destroy the soul.—
The Adventist Home, 415
.
Books that Sow 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
care is needed in cultivating the soil of the mind and sowing it with the
precious seed of Bible truth. Children should be taught to reject trashy,
exciting tales and to turn to sensible reading, which will lead the mind
to take an interest in Bible story, history, and argument. Reading that
will throw light upon the Sacred Volume and quicken the desire to
study it is not dangerous, but beneficial.—
The Adventist Home, 417
.
Youth Should Have Objectives in 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