Books for Bible Students.
By George D. Ballou
ON page 349 we present a list of valuable books for all who have any interest in Bible study, both in and out of the Sabbath-school. There is a dearth of this class of books even among professing Christians. There are very few who have even a partial supply of such helps as are found in this list. Very often we find a family, even in very moderate circumstances, who have been flattered or coaxed by some book agent into buying some expensive volume or set of volumes, which lie useless on their book-shelves, the reading of which would prove not only a loss of time but a curse to the family. Such will excuse themselves from buying substantial literature on the plea of poverty, or want of time to read. There ought to be a reform among the people everywhere in the matter of buying books. We do not keep the company of worthless men, nor should we buy worthless books. There is pressing need of helps to Bible study. I know of but one or two Sabbath-schools that are not suffering spiritual loss every week for want of them. The superintendents and teachers should take this matter in hand, and raise a fund for the purchase of a good library of books for their schools. The weeks, months, and years are rolling by, and our youth and middle-aged scholars are not making the advancement they should, simply for want of books to read in connection with the study of the Bible. The youth and children will read something and that will be the books that are nearest at hand. Get these books and put them where the children can have access to them, and set them a good example by reading them instead of poring over several columns of newspaper trash every week. To individuals and families we say, You need the books mentioned in this list for yourselves and your friends. No agent will come and press you to buy them. While your thought is called to the matter, sit down and look the list over, and order at once those you would like. If you wish to make a present of a book to a friend, here is an excellent list from which to select, and nothing but good can come to any who read them. To the friend of Christianity we say, Reform in the matter of buying books, and henceforth purchase such as will give information on matters of eternal consequence. To the young we would say, Lay by a few dimes each month, and then order such books as you may need, as fast as you get the money. Every good book you read is so much treasure laid up with which to develop character. Youth is the time to sow seed, and let it be good seed, for you will surely have to reap the harvest. And to the Sabbath-school officers and teachers we say, Wake up, wake up, and purchase libraries for your schools. Do not try to get all the books you want at once, but get a good supply now, and then get more as you can. Raise a fund by subscription if necessary, and order the books at once. Nothing will encourage the youth and children more than to supply them with books. We are suffering great loss by not having proper reading matter in connection with our study of the Bible. Do not wait till next month or next year, but turn over a new leaf by ordering at once such as you most need. G. D. BALLOU,
Pres. Cal. S. S. Association. THE Sabbath-school is fast growing in importance as a medium of missionary work, and its efficacy is acknowledged upon every side.