p. 8 | Influence of Pictures in the Home

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 1, 1910

Influence of Pictures in the Home

By Margaret Shepherd

MRS. MARGARET SHEPHERD

That we become changed by beholding, is a truth taught in the Word of God, and it is generally acknowledged that what we see constantly before us must exert a great influence either for good or for evil. The pictures, therefore, that are always before us act an important part in the formation of the characters of the inmates of our homes.

This being so, what kind of pictures should we allow to appear upon our walls? All will agree that they should be only those that depict beauty and inspire pure thought.

Let us divide them into three classes for consideration,—wall decorations, books, and periodicals.

Concerning the first we shall not, as a rule, have much difficulty; paintings, crayons, portraits, sketches, etc., usually portray good subjects. Select those which give you distinct pleasure each time your eyes rest upon them—the landscape that makes you wish to take a walk in the place portrayed, the animals that seem almost alive, fruit that looks good enough to eat, and flowers that remind us of the real handiwork of the Creator, richer than Solomon's robe.

Few can possess the rare works of art, but we can have the reproductions of them almost in perfection through the wonderful color work that is done in this age.

An artist once invited a friend into his studio to show him a new picture. After allowing him to look at it, he said:—

“Well, what do you see?”

“I see,” replied the friend, “only a portion of a rustic lane, but it seems to me I hear the nightingale singing.”

“I am glad to hear your opinion,” said the artist; “for I have tried to paint the song of the nightingale.”

Pictures make a quicker and deeper impression than words, and until the child has reached maturity, and learned how quickly to banish evil things from the mind, he is likely to be indelibly impressed by obscene, evil pictures.

Encourage the liking for good pictures as for good books. If we allow only the best books in our homes, we need hardly fear the illustrations they contain; but if the trashy novel or paper

is admitted, there will be spread out scenes of violence and crime, such as help to send many boys and girls to prison in after-years.

There is one kind of illustration in some books of history that is especially hard on the nervous systems of delicate children, such as the burning and slaughtering of white persons by Indians. I recall an ancient work describing the tortures committed during the time of the great papal persecution, such as quartering, stretching, and the use of the stocks. My mother had put it out of sight in the attic, but occasionally we came across it, and dared to glance at the horrifying details of torture shown there, though we knew it would harrow our minds for hours.

In newspapers and magazines we come to a vast range of pictures, good, bad, and indifferent. Magazines contain much that is good in halftone cuts, so excellent that one almost feels that he has seen the people, places, inventions, and happenings portrayed. Here, also, lies a source of danger to many young people in the romantic age, who are charmed by the fame suggested by the pictures of actors and actresses.

Pictures of fashions also distract the mind from better things, and turn many a foolish head. They need be consulted only often enough to insure being neatly, tastefully, and sensibly dressed.

Little eyes, and I fear sometimes older ones, are attracted by that which to them is queer and curious; hence the baleful influence of the so-called “funny sheet,” which has come to be a really dreadful thing. The editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, Edward Bok, has written an excellent article on this subject, showing that this “funny page” teaches disrespect of parents, of teachers, of friends, and of God, and shows all sorts of ill tricks that we would not wish to have our children copy.

Pictures may suggest any phase of emotion,—peace, repose, anger, activity, joy, sorrow, the works of Satan, or the works of God. Which will be of the greatest good to you and your family? Which will you choose to have before you?

College View, Neb.