p. 130 | A Family Library

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 6, 1913

A Family Library

HAVE YOU a library in your home? If so, what books does it contain? Is it composed largely of fiction, novels, story-books, etc., or does it contain food for sober thinking and Christian growth and development? Does it contain books suited to the needs of the various members of the family? Permit us to suggest some books which should be found in your home, and which would form the nucleus and foundation for a useful and practical family library:—

1. A good Bible containing the Oxford helps. The home should possess not one Bible only, but every member of the family should own a copy of this Book of books.

2. The nine volumes of the “Testimonies for the Church,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Great Controversy,” and “Desire of Ages.”

3. A good Bible concordance. This will aid greatly in the study of the Scriptures by enabling you to bring together various references on the same subject.

4. A good Bible dictionary.

5. A good dictionary, preferably an unabridged edition, of the English language.

6. A comprehensive encyclopedia.

7. Denominational books, such as “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” “Bible Readings for the Home Circle.”

8. Books of history, travel, missionary biography, science, and books of a general character.

Some of the excellent books recommended by the Missionary Volunteer Department should be incorporated for the benefit of the younger members of the family.

Many families are not able to purchase large libraries, and for this reason the books that are purchased should be of a lasting character; books that will be found useful not for a day or a week, but for years, and during the entire life. Let us seek to place before our families wholesome, substantial food to supply the demands of their intellectual natures, books which will have a molding influence for good on the hearts and lives of our children.