Bad Reading by FRANK L. BENNETT

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 5, 1907

Bad Reading

By FRANK L. BENNETT

FRANK L. BENNETT

WHAT are the young people reading? Are they reading novels and sensational stories? It is almost as bad to have a great novel reader in the family as to have a moderate drinker; in fact, the one who reads sensational novels and stories habitually, does so for the intoxication that is derived therefrom.

Greece and Rome were sunk to the lowest depths of degradation by the literature of the corrupt writers of those times,—writings which have, unfortunately, descended to this time to do the same work for us.

The world has a swarm of cheap writers,—cheap, judged by the quality of the writings sent out under their signatures. They write stories which are unfit for grown people, and are veritable poison to young boys and girls in the plastic period of life, when impressions for good or bad are easily received and slowly obliterated.

The reading of sensational literature is really a more serious matter than most people suppose, as it overstimulates the nervous system of the young, and injures the mental, moral, and physical health. One writer who had written many trashy stories which met the popular taste, said, “If you get something salacious into the story, and get it in early, it will make the story a great success.”

Many people who find something positively immoral in the first chapter of a story, hunt eagerly for a repetition of the offense.

How many readers have in mind the apostle's admonition, “Whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things,” when they read long, lurid descriptions of murders, robberies, illicit amours, and the hundred and one sad and sensational crimes and offenses against honesty, decency, and morality?

Many like to read literature which does not cause them to think; for thinking is too hard work to suit the mentally lazy story-reader.

Many young people create for themselves a fictitious world, filled with vagaries and fancies imbibed from romances. These young people get a false estimate of life; everything is greatly good or greatly bad; the emotions are cultivated beyond the power of self-control. Foolish, irresponsible men, and silly, romantic women, are the inevitable result.

The boy who begins in early years on nursery stories, comes up to the period when he longs to kill Indians or encounter outlaws and pirates; and he finally reaches the age when man is too liable to discover it possible to realize the ambition of becoming at least a robber; piracy is out of date.

Finally, the reading of fiction takes away the relish for solid literature, travels, history, and for the Scriptures, which are able to make us “wise unto salvation.” Try to keep the young from sensational stories and fiction, remembering that “a little evil corrupteth much good,” and that “whosoever loveth or maketh a lie” remaineth outside the city of our God forever.

Warrensburg, N. Y.