Pernicious Reading by Francis Gould

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 30, 1871

Pernicious Reading.

By Francis Gould

For six thousand years the arch-deceiver of mankind has been walking about, as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. And in no way perhaps has he had better success in plotting the destruction of the human family, than introducing before the mind novel-reading, fictitious books, and trashy literature, which prevail at the present time to a fearful extent. In almost every family circle which we enter, our eyes are greeted with a supply of such material; and, what astonishes us most is, there are many heads of families who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus that suffer their children to have recourse to such kind of reading.

The press wields a mighty influence for good or evil; and here is where the enemy concentrates his forces. Through reading, we obtain an education, and through education, we develop character. The poet has well expressed it,

“’Tis education forms the common mind; Just as the twig is bent, the tree’s inclined.”

We may view this subject from what standpoint we please, and we are led to ask, What good results from such reading? We answer, None, but only evil continually. We have found by observation and experience that it blunts the moral sensibilities of our natures, darkens the understanding, corrupts the imagination, excites the baser passions, and renders the mind almost, if not wholly, impervious to divine impressions.

Fathers and mothers who are exciting an influence in their families in this direction for good or evil, and especially those who profess to love God, will have a strict account to render to God for the blessings they have received from his hand, and for the manner in which they have nurtured and controlled those that have been placed under their care. Parents should be careful to place before their children at an early age such reading as will establish in their minds right impressions, and will tend to promote their happiness and future well-being. The first impressions generally give shape to their future course in life. They grow with their growth, and strengthen with their strength. The principles received will be interwoven into their very beings, and thus character will be developed. This being the case, how important it is that a selection of good books and periodicals be made, and placed in the family library, instead of the vile trash which is so often seen there. Here is a good chance for Christian men and women to labor. Here is a chance for them to scatter light and truth, and to let their light shine. Here is an opportunity for doing good.

There are some, I fear among Sabbath-keepers—a people who by their profession should stand higher in the scale of moral excellence and purity than any other people—who are remiss in relation to this duty, not only in suffering such poisonous elements, in some degree, to remain in their dwellings, but also in not introducing such reading matter as shall lead the household to respect and honor the righteous government of God.

We are taught in the Scriptures that Abraham obeyed the voice of God, and kept his commandments, his statutes, and his laws, and commanded his household after him. He taught his children by precept and by example. He exerted a saving and holy influence, and led his household to reverence the God of Heaven. Abraham stands as the head representative of the people of God. They that are Christ’s are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise. Let us follow in the steps of Abraham our father. Let us contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, that, with faithful Abraham, we may become heirs of God, and joint heirs with Jesus Christ, to an inheritance that is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. FRANCIS GOULD.