Value of Good Reading by ETHEL J. SANDERSON.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 6, 1907

Value of Good Reading

By ETHEL J. SANDERSON.

ACQUAINTANCES are formed by an exchange of thoughts, either written or spoken. We may never see a person, but he may become in a certain sense our friend, by our reading what he has written. Therefore as cautiously as we choose our friends, should we select the books which we read.

God reveals himself to man through the Word, through nature, and through his influence on the inner consciousness of man. Some hearts are more in tune with the pulsations of the eternal heart of love than are others. Then, are not the writings of those men the ones we should most read and study?

Standard literature is that literature which has stood the test of ages, having been handed down from generation to generation. It supplies the needs of both rich and poor, and is of interest to each class. It does not address any one sect or party, but is a communication from man to man. This is because the quality of universality is present. This characteristic gives to a literary production a world-wide scope, reaching as far as does the language in which it is written. It touches the innermost feelings of man. The Bible has universality to a fuller extent than any other book, and any literary production which does not have this quality is short lived.

There are two kinds of literature, which we may designate as knowledge literature and power literature. The former instructs, while the latter arouses.

Literature includes anything of a technical nature in knowledge or science. All text-books, dictionaries, encyclopedias, and the like, would come under this head. It is a good thing to store the mind well with facts; but unless the morals of a man are stirred, he never can arouse any one else to action.

Power literature is that kind which gives renewed energy to one. It works most powerfully upon the morals of a man, showing him the relation he bears to God and all mankind. Our hand and judgment become developed only by use. Therefore the best literature for one's moral faculties is that which arouses them to action. A book that can not impart serviceable knowledge should not be read.

By the reading of good literature we become acquainted with the best thoughts of the best writers; we have revealed to us the highest ideals and noblest motives which prevailed during the successive periods of the nation's growth. And every production is bound to leave its impression upon us. If it has increased our love for God, given us a warmer sympathy for all mankind, a deeper interest in the created works of God, a keener realization of our obligations to God and mankind, a higher gratitude for the mercies surrounding us, and a greater desire to have a part in the work of our Master, we may know that it has been of great use to us.

Perhaps a still better test is the permanent value the production is to us. But the all-important question to ask is, Of what use will this be to me throughout eternity? The more love for God we have here, the more shall we love God in heaven; the more we see in nature here, the more shall we appreciate our heavenly surroundings. Therefore those books which bring these results will be of the most service.

The education which fits us for a successful life in this world is not to be neglected; but of more worth is the education which prepares us for service in our Master's cause. The one is as much higher than the other as heaven is higher than the earth.

ETHEL J. SANDERSON.