p. 31 | A Reading Course for the Youth by M. E. Kern

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 6, 1906

A Reading Course for the Youth

By M. E. Kern

WE live in an age of books. Our children are reading something. Do we give the thought, prayer, and attention to this subject that we should? A good book is a good companion; a bad book is an evil companion. “The young are in great danger. Great evil results from their light reading.”—“Testimonies,” Vol. II, page 236.

Perhaps we see this evil, and have forbidden these books and magazines. Have you placed before your children tempting good books, books adapted to their young minds and their interests? “Lead the youth to see how much there is to learn and to do; how precious are the days of youth as a preparation for the life-work. Help them to see what treasures there are in the Word of God, in the book of nature, and in the records of noble lives.”—“Education,” page 248.

Great results for good or for evil come from the course we pursue in this matter. As an aid in the choice of good books, and to create an interest in systematic and thorough reading, the Central Union Conference Young People’s Society has instituted the General Culture Course of reading for young people. This year we are to read “The Life of Elder Joseph Bates,” “Life Sketches of Elder James White and Mrs. Ellen G. White,” and “The Great Second Advent Movement.”

While reading the fascinating stories of these noble lives and this great movement, our young people will at the same time be gaining a knowledge of the third angel’s message and its great progress from its small beginning. Many we hope will be led to cast their lot with the people of God, and give their lives to the promulgation of the message, rather than “enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season.”

The outlines as a guide to this work will appear in the Educational Messenger, beginning October 1. The Messenger is published by the Union College Press at fifty cents a year. The books will be read in the order named above, and will cost 35 cents, $1.25, and $1.50 respectively. Let all who desire to take this course write at once to The Central Union Conference Y. P. S. S. D. A., College View, Neb., and enroll their names. The Messenger and books can be ordered at the same time if desired. Many of our people have these books, and all should have.

Let the parents in the Central Union Conference take an interest in this movement for their children. Good mental and spiritual food for the building of character is more necessary than physical food for the development of the physical man. M. E. KERN.