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Editorial

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 37.

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Editorial

By Editor

Pernicious Literature

THE warning against the reading of much of the literature now in general circulation can not be made too urgent. There is no question but that such pernicious literature as dime novels, cheap story-papers, reports of murders, accounts of the uncovering of crimes by detectives, the comic picture section of newspapers, and other reading of this class is responsible for much of the crime that is committed. Says the Christian Observer of Aug. 21, 1912:—
In New York City alone during a single year the Society for the Suppression of Vice seized 63,139 pounds of obscene books, 836,096 obscene pictures, 1,577,441 circulars, songs, etc., and arrested over 200 persons for connection therewith. The names and addresses of 1,102,620 persons were seized. Dealers in this class of literature use every means to get the names of boys and young men, and the business they do is tremendous.
Parents have a right to know upon what mental food their children are feeding from day to day. Says the apostle, "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." 1 Tim. 5:8. Provision for one's household involves more than merely furnishing food for the physical body. The principle stated in this scripture involves the general care of the family, and the providing for all of their needs. Many parents will have a terrible responsibility to render in the day of final accounts in that they have not fulfilled their sacred commission in safeguarding those entrusted to their watch-care.
Dear parents, what account will you be able to render to the Judge of all the earth for the children entrusted to your care? Will you be able to say in that day, "Here am I, and the children which thou hast given me"? or with confusion of face and terror of heart will you be forced to acknowledge that you have been recreant to your holy trust? This is the time for us to face these questions of parental responsibility. Will you face them bravely, and in the fear of God try to shape and mold the lives of your children for the right? If so, you can confidently depend upon God as your mighty helper.