Good and Bad Literature by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1911

Good and Bad Literature

By F. M. W.

THIS is an age of literature. Books, magazines, and papers are to be found on every side. Every town of any size has a free circulating library. The question is not in being able to find something to read, but in being able to use wise discrimination in selecting from the great mass of material that which is profitable.

In daily reading and study, the Scriptures of truth, of course, should have the first place. Some time, preferably the early hours of the day, should be devoted to a careful study of the Word of God. There are several methods of study by which we may obtain a knowledge of the Bible: (a) Read it through by course, thus obtaining a knowledge of its whole historical setting. (b) Study it by subjects, comparing scripture with scripture, bringing together, by the use of the concordance and other means, what the Bible writers have said upon various questions. (c) Book study. It is an excellent practise to sit down and read an entire book through at one sitting. We obtain a knowledge of the argument; we see the discourse in all its bearings, in a way that we never could by reading two or three chapters at a time. (d) Verse study. It is necessary sometimes to camp by a verse of Scripture and study it in all of its bearings and relations, viewing it from different standpoints, even as the student of nature studies the habits and ways of some bird or animal of the forest. In this way we may store up in our minds many precious promises contained in the Scriptures of truth, promises which will come to us with comfort and assurance in hours of loneliness or trial.

In addition to a knowledge of the Scriptures, we should become acquainted with the writings of the spirit of prophecy. Those excellent books, “Great Controversy,” “Patriarchs and Prophets,” “Desire of Ages,” “Testimonies for the Church,” Vols. I-IX, and other books of this character should be read and studied by all. Our own denominational papers, as far as possible, should be found in every family. Every Seventh-day Adventist should keep in touch with the progress and needs of this great movement.

Then there are scores of valuable books on science, history, travel, missionary biography, etc., which will be found instructive and inspiring, especially to the younger members of the household. It is to be deplored that in many homes this excellent class of books and literature to which we have referred, is lacking. Instead, the latest novel or story-paper is in evidence. Hours are spent pouring over the daily newspaper, reading the latest murder sensation or scandal trial. Many, when asked to purchase books of merit and value, books which would prove a strong molding factor in the home, plead poverty.

We do not speak against all use of the daily newspaper. It affords a valuable medium of exchange in the world’s happenings at the present time. And yet it must be confessed that there is much found in the daily prints, the influence of which is positively demoralizing, particularly to the younger members of the family.

Upon parents rests the responsibility of determining what should be read by their children. If they bring or permit to be brought into the home circle literature of a light, trashy, or sensational character, truly they are responsible before God for the education which is given to their children in the mold and influence which this class of reading will have on their lives. Some homes carefully guard their children’s associations, but fail to guard their reading. One is quite as pernicious as the other. It is questionable if a child will obtain more injury from evil associations on the street than from reading much of the sensational literature which is being circulated to-day. Both avenues should be carefully guarded by the watchful parent.

Life is too short and time too precious for us to fill our minds with that which is not worth while. We should seek to build strong, sturdy characters. We should seek to develop both in ourselves and in our children, pure, sober minds. This can be done only by turning the thoughts into right channels, by guarding the avenues of instruction which come to us. We become like that about which we think. We are changed into the spirit and character of that which we read and study. While in our care to provide for the physical necessities of our homes, we place before our boys and girls proper physical food, let us not neglect that which is of far more importance, supplying proper food for their mental and spiritual natures. “If any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” This is the testimony of inspired revelation, and it applies to the provision for the cultivation of the mind and for meeting the needs of the higher nature, as well as to the provision for the physical and temporal necessities. One great means which Satan is using to engulf the world to-day, and particularly to draw the young from the path of rectitude, leading them to forget God, is the perusal of evil literature. Recognizing his purpose, let us seek by God’s help to safeguard our loved ones.

F. M. W.