Literature for Adventist Homes
329
arrested and their interest aroused by the subject matter with which
they are dealing. Sentences are imprinted in the memory. Thoughts
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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.—
The
Adventist Home, 416
.
Books Instead of Ornaments—Many are creating unnecessary
cares and anxieties for themselves by devoting time and thought to the
unnecessary ornaments with which their houses are filled. The power
of God is needed to arouse them from this devotion; for to all intents
and purposes it is idolatry.
He who searches the heart desires to win His people from every
species of idolatry. Let the Word of God, the blessed book of life,
occupy the tables now filled with useless ornaments. Spend your
money in buying books that will be the means of enlightening the
mind in regard to present truth. The time you waste in moving and
dusting the multitudinous ornaments in your house, spend in writing a
few lines to your friends, in sending papers or leaflets or little books to
someone who knows not the truth. Grasp the word of the Lord as the
treasure of infinite wisdom and love; this is the guidebook that points
out the path to heaven.—
The Review and Herald, June 6, 1907
.
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