Reading merely to pass the time is worse than useless. Not only is valuable time wasted, but the mind itself is injured by a careless habit of skimming over page after page, without giving thorough attention to the matter perused. The mind becomes lazy. The reader prefers to read some light literature to engaging in vigorous thinking for himself.
This is one of the harmful effects of novel-reading, but it is not the only one. The mind accustomed to that class of reading-matter which excites the emotions, but which does not incite to right action, develops a visionary individual. He may plan great things, but his plans seldom materialize. There are many people endowed with good intellects, and who have had good educational advantages, who never reach the heights of knowledge or usefulness that they might have reached.
The mind as well as the body needs food. We need to use discrimination as to quality and quantity in selecting our mental as well as our physical food.
The claim is sometimes made that novel-reading is a benefit because of giving an insight into human nature. We might ask the question, Which is the more reliable information,— that which we gain by observing men with whom we come in daily contact, or that which is acquired by a study of fictitious characters which may be more or less untrue to life, and are frequently examples of depravity? Undoubtedly the former.
But it is often contended that the reading of such literature develops the imagination. This is probably true; but to develop the imagination in such channels can not benefit the individual. The imagination makes the unseen appear real. If one reads the description of real persons and places, and of the glories that await the redeemed, he will find ample scope for the imagination in legitimate channels.
The reading of fictitious literature is a detriment to the Christian experience of those who would lead the divine life. The reader often has his feelings moved by that which he knows is not true. When the story is finished, the matter drops from his mind. When the heart is stirred by a presentation of its sinfulness, the emotions subside, the sense of reality slips away, and there is no serious amendment of life.
Exciting literature does not lead to a love for the good old Book. A young woman who had become much addicted to the habit of reading novels, desired to become a Christian, to abandon this evil habit, and instead, to read her Bible; but she could not interest herself in the Sacred Volume. Its sublime language had no charm for her. When she attempted to read it, her mind wandered to other things. She felt grieved and condemned, but knew not what to do. A neighbor read to her, and led her to look to the sinner’s Friend, who is ever ready to help the helpless back to the safe path.
The world is flooded with evil literature. “Give me the daily that gives the fullest account of the —— murder case,” said a man as he stepped into a news stand. His mind had fed upon exciting and horrible things until he was eager for his mental stimulant, just as the liquor drinker craves his glass when he begins to feel the lassitude and depression that result from his last indulgence.
Parents, be careful what mental food is placed before your children. Tales of ghosts and goblins, murder and rapine, will have their baleful effect. The reading-table may be a stepping-stone to the heights of wisdom; or it may be a weight to drag those who sit beneath its lamp, down to the regions of darkness.
The inexperienced feet of childhood and youth need wise guides to lead them along the path of knowledge. Good literature is one of the most important means of acquiring knowledge. In our reading there should be a definite end in view. It is impossible to read everything. We should select that which will make us wiser and more useful, that which will aid us in the preservation and restoration of health, and that which will point the soul heavenward. Do not neglect the Bible. It is the torch that lights the misty past, the lamp that guides our feet along the slippery paths of life, and the beacon that illuminates the future.
“Give attendance to reading,” says the Inspired Volume. 1 Tim. 4:13. Nehemiah tells us how they read in his day: “So they read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.” Neh. 8:8.
To become a good reader requires practice. Gather the family around the evening lamp, and read aloud from some good book or paper. With a dictionary and other helps at hand, let some one look up every word and statement that is not understood. Discuss the subject that has been read. It will drive out gossip and foolish jesting.
Make the reading hour so pleasant that the children will not care to slip around the corner to read trash with evil companions. It will be a golden chain to bind parents and children together in one common interest. It will make home better, purer, and happier.
