Effects of Novel Reading.
By R. C. Baker
Too much can hardly be said against a practice so pernicious in its results. As one who has seen and felt its evil influence, I would offer a few words of warning, especially to the young and unsuspecting, against falling into a habit so bewitching, and yet so detrimental to their best good. The world has become so flooded with light and sensational literature that the young are pretty sure to be ensnared, unless they understand its evil tendency, and have a fixed principle to let it alone. I will try to show some of the evil effects of this kind of reading. Novel reading acts upon the mind as stimulants do upon the nerves. Stimulation is followed by depression and languor. So the intoxication of the mind is succeeded by a corresponding depression of spirits and disinclination for mental labor. How many fine intellects have been irreparably injured, if not totally ruined, by this fascinating, mind-destroying practice. Reading merely for amusement weakens the powers of the mind, and renders it incapable of strong concentrated effort. The thoughts are scattered and changeable, and soon weary of continued mental labor. Thus, solid, substantial reading soon becomes distasteful and insipid; the mind is constantly on the stretch for excitement, and will not be satisfied with sober history, or plain matter-of-fact philosophy. And not only so, but the sober realities of life, the daily recurring duties; the monotonous round of cares, trials, and perplexities incident to this mortal state, seem more grievous and unbearable, after reveling in the voluptuous dreams of the novelist. The blessings so lavishly showered around us by an Almighty hand are overlooked and undervalued. The poor infatuated dreamer is constantly looking ahead for something out of his reach. Like the mirage of the desert, it bewilders, fascinates, tempts and deceives him, but never brings sweet content or lasting happiness. And this is not all. The judgment not yet matured by experience, is warped and blinded by these false and glaring pictures of life. The inconsistent and exaggerated views of love and marriage, which are engendered by those bewildering romances, is no doubt a fruitful source of many unwise and unhappy unions. Reason and judgment are laid aside; impulse and fancy alone are consulted. The poor victims of a foolish infatuation wake up to find their idols clay, and life a stern reality, without strength or fortitude to bear its ills and sorrows. Pure, unselfish love, with mutual forbearance for each other's faults, they know nothing about. The splendid air castles they built have vanished into air; and so great is their disappointment that they overlook, and forget to be thankful for, the blessings they actually possess. But the worst feature of all is, the spiritual apathy induced by reading these foolish stories. The mind loses all relish for the Bible, and for sacred things. The moral sensibilities become blunted. The influence of the Spirit of God is effectually warded off. It is impossible for the mind to take hold of the solemn truths of the book of God, and realize them as they should be realized. The mind that has so long fed upon husks, and vanity, and lies, cannot all at once appreciate sober, candid truth; much less can it love to dwell upon the plain, unvarnished facts revealed in the word of God. As you value eternal life, pass by the chaffy literature of the day. It may seem harmless and fascinating, but it lures to destroy. You may not discover the “trail of the serpent” in those charmingly written pages; but I know that the “bewitching spell” shuts out God, and Heaven, and eternity. I have felt the power of the enchantress, and I know whereof I affirm. The anguish of mind I have undergone, the follies I have committed, the darkness of despair I have been in, in consequence of false ideas received from reading novels when very young, it would be inexpedient if not impossible for me to describe. Many and severe have been the conflicts to overcome the evil habit since I undertook to be a Bible Christian, and to cultivate a love for, and interest in, the sacred truths of God's holy word. But I am afraid I never shall see and feel so vividly and clearly the importance of the truth as I should if the powers of my mind had not been so perverted in my youth. I regret my folly, and would most affectionately warn the young against falling into the pernicious habit. I feel like a bird escaped out of the snare of the fowler. The providences of God have hedged me in on every hand and kept me from falling into irretrievable ruin. I feel that I am a miracle of God's mercy and providential care. Dear young friends, I understand the temptations of youth. Satan has many snares for your inexperienced feet. I feel a deep interest in young people. But I can tell you, from sad experience, that the dreams and hopes of youth are vanity. You will never be happy while you are dreaming of earthly good. Life is full of trials and disappointments. Discipline your minds to meet them bravely. Above all things, give your hearts fully to Jesus; he is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Upon him you can lavish your hearts' best affections, and secure a friend that will never fail you. He is infinitely worthy the adoration of our hearts. Oh! for grace to love him as we ought.