This is emphatically a reading age, and this is highly commendable, if a proper choice is made in what we read. Let us consider for a moment the character, nature and tendency of the reading of this fast age. Go where you will to places of any note, and news depots especially, and flaming posters meet your eye, announcing that a thrilling tale is just commenced in the Ledger and papers of the like stamp. Their immense circulation attests the character of the reading of the masses. Men partake largely of the character of what they read. How important then, if we would form characters for usefulness, that we make choice of those books and papers that are elevating in their tendency, that inspire noble thoughts and leave us happier and wiser after their perusal.
I assure you, dear reader, nothing of this nature, comparatively speaking, is to be obtained from the light literature that is sweeping over the land like a flood. Three-fourths of the matter of the New York Ledger, which, by the way, stands at the head of this class, is made up of such light, trashy reading. I can state from experience that all such reading is pernicious, and destroys a taste for good, sound, wholesome reading. What wonder then, that the Bible, the book of books, is neglected? Even the professed religious papers and periodicals are more or less tinctured with (if I may use the term) religious novels. The Ladies' Repository, which I took for several years, and which is acknowledged on all hands to stand at the head of its class, being conducted by an editor appointed by the general conference of the M. E. Church, contains one or two articles of this nature every month. When I reflect on the time I have lost on this worse than useless reading, I cannot be grateful enough for the change the Lord has wrought in my mind in this respect.
Reader, I would recommend to you that Book that is able to make you wise unto salvation. Happy is he who learns to love and reverence the Book of God when young, especially if it has grown with his years, and strengthened with his strength. Such, Paul tells us, was Timothy; from a child he had known the holy Scriptures. To the young especially I would say, Imitate his example; give all diligence to add to your faith virtue, and to virtue knowledge. If you would learn of him who spake as never man spake, read the Bible. Jesus says, I am the way. In short, if you would be thoroughly furnished unto all good works, read the Bible. Shall we who believe the Lord is near, even at the doors, neglect the blessed Book? The Saviour says, Search the Scriptures. We are required to give a reason of our hope with meekness and fear.
There are many aids to help us in the investigation of the Bible. The proclamation of the third angel's message, the messengers God has raised up have been and still are throwing great light on the sacred pages by their writings. Books on all important Bible subjects, relating to the coming and kingdom of our blessed Lord, and kindred doctrines, are being published at the Review Office at Battle Creek. I believe the hand of the Lord is in the work. These silent messengers are being scattered far and wide, and in connection with the living preachers, they are doing a mighty work. God bless them in their work and labor of love. Prominent among these, as a means of spreading the truth, stands the Review, which visits us so faithfully every week. I love to trace its past history, look it over from the commencement (which I have the privilege of doing). When I learn the deep poverty, privation and sacrifice those faithful souls endured who commenced publishing, and then see its present position, I am led to exclaim, Surely it is the Lord's doings, and it is marvelous in our eyes.
Brethren scattered abroad, let us not forget the wants of the paper. Bro. Smith has appealed to us to do our share in contributing towards making the Review still more interesting. Let us pour in soul-cheering, practical articles; calculated to make us wiser and holier, from which Bro. S. can select what he may deem profitable. Don't be discouraged if your first article does not appear; try again, and may God bless you in the effort. I hope there are none who forget to read it, or pay for it. In a word, let us do our whole duty in the fear of the Lord. We read, "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever." Dan. xii, 3. Blessed promise!
In conclusion I would say, I have found a perfect antidote for all this rage for reading politics, novels, popular dogmas, &c. It is this: Get the old man crucified with all his deeds, and the new man, Christ Jesus, put on. Thank God, when the power and glory of present truth takes hold of our mind and heart, the desire for these things flees away, like the morning cloud and early dew.
Dear brethren, while the god of this world is blinding the eyes of the people, and ripening them for destruction, let us who are of the day watch and be sober, do all in our power to spread the truth, that the jewels may be gathered, and we all saved soon in the kingdom of our heavenly Father.