READING by Eliza H. Morton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 1, 1877

READING

By Eliza H. Morton

Reading-matter was never so plenty and varied as at the present time, and readers never so numerous as now. Time is short and precious, hence it is important that we read the right kind of books and in the right manner. It is seldom, if ever, best to read simply for amusement. It is well to form in early life the habit of concentrating the mind upon one good book, and reading and re-reading it until its spirit is infused into our own, and all the information it contains is ours for life. One book read in this manner will prove of more value than volumes skimmed over. It is better for the mind to gain one hundred ideas from one book than to gain one hundred ideas from one hundred books. Some writers spread one idea through a volume; others convey a wealth of meaning in every sentence. One book written by the latter class is worth more than a library of popular trash. Therefore choose good, solid, and true books, and read them daily, carefully, and slowly, and remember what you read. It is a good plan to close your book at the end of each chapter, and think of all the ideas gained. This fixes them in the mind. Above all, do not neglect to read that glorious old Book, whose pages are ever new and covered with the sweetest poetry ever sung, the wisest words ever uttered, the grandest thoughts ever penned, and which is the only sure guide to that country “by prophets long foretold.” ELIZA H. MORTON.