What Shall We Read? by E. H. Whitney

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 28, 1871

What Shall We Read?

By E. H. Whitney

It is no uncommon thing, on taking up any of the newspapers of the day, either religious or secular, to find this question answered in some form; but it is a matter about which too much cannot be said in those days when literature of all kinds is flooding the country.

The preacher’s words, “Of making many books there is no end,” were never more applicable than now; and surely the “much study” (margin reading) that is spread before us would be “a weariness of the flesh,” should we undertake it. Some of us have already found it so; and remembering the precipice so near to which our feet have strayed would warn those who are still lingering there, or are approaching, of their danger.

In speaking of dangerous reading, we do not refer to what is called yellow-covered literature, and the love and murder stories which fill the columns of the weekly story papers. Their character is too well known to need any comment. Especially would it seem unnecessary to warn those who profess the truths of the third angel’s message against such. But there is what is considered, and to all appearance is, a better class of literature, but which, in its effects upon the mind, is, after all, like an insidious, slow-working poison. Its tendency is only, though indirectly, evil (if evil can be so spoken of), as all direct upholding of immorality is avoided. It is not always easy for the young reader to detect the tendency toward sensuality, and the weakening effects of such works upon the moral character. They are simply pleasant stories in which the vice of tobacco-using, fashionable dress, and amusements are shown under so fair a cloak that gradually the fine sensitiveness of conscience concerning such things in which we may happily have been educated, and which familiarity with the Bible would increase, becomes blunted, and we at last not only tolerate, but smile approvingly at, what once would have shocked us.

One who habituates himself to light reading, can scarcely fail to form a taste for it, which grows rapidly upon what nourishes it. A preference is thus acquired for a style of reading which is not only useless but injurious. Another thing, too important to be overlooked, is, that by reading for amusement things which are generally not worth remembering, one is apt to acquire a habit of reading carelessly. The memory becomes treacherous, the imagination too active, and the poor victim of what might be termed a mental pollution, finds himself after a time unable to concentrate his mind upon anything which is really worth careful reading or study. I do not think this a rare state of things.

The most evenly-balanced, active, and thorough minds among young men and women whom I have known, were those whose intellects during childhood and early youth were not fed upon works of imagination. Such a course may not always quench the light of a naturally brilliant intellect, but it is almost sure to warp it and make it unreliable; and if, at some time, the unfortunate individual sees his condition, he will find it no easy task to overcome the effects of his previous intellectual habits. Parents, who have children fond of reading, be careful what they read. Cultivate in them habits of practical thought rather than development of imagination. Teach them that reading should not be simply a pastime, but a source of real instruction and profit. Know what they read. I have heard of a mother who never allowed her child to read a book till she had herself first judged of its merits, and was satisfied that the influence would be good. I honor that mother. Children thus trained will arrive at years of discretion with pure tastes and good habits of thought. Above all, teach them, by precept and example, familiarity with the Bible. It will be a most fitting preparation for the battle of life in these last days when Satan has so many snares set for youthful feet.

And to those who are unhappily sufferers from injudicious habits of reading, let me say, Break off from them at once. We have no time to waste over idle tales or useless reading of any sort. We need every moment and every effort to fit us for the Lord’s service. Our help is needed on every side. Our reading should be of a nature to assist us in training ourselves to be more efficient workers in the family, in the church, in any place where the Master may call us. We should read closely, carefully, thoughtfully, prayerfully. When we take up an article or a book, let it be, not with the thought, “What can I find to amuse me?” but, “What can I find to help me to a better and more useful life?” We cannot afford to lose what we thus gain, and if memory, sieve-like, refuses to retain it, read it again and again till the victory over mental weakness is gained, and the item added to the store of treasured thought. “I speak that I do know, and testify that I have seen,” for I write from an experience painful both in my own case and in that of others.

E. H. WHITNEY.

Malone, N. Y.