Chapter 68—Reading and its Influence
Feed the Child’s Mind With Proper Food—The susceptible,
expanding mind of the child longs for knowledge. Parents should
keep themselves well informed, that they may give the minds of their
children proper food. Like the body, the mind derives its strength from
the food it receives. It is broadened and elevated by pure, strengthening
thoughts; but it is narrowed and debased by thoughts that are of the
earth earthy.
Parents, you are the ones to decide whether the minds of your chil-
dren shall be filled with ennobling thoughts or with vicious sentiments.
You cannot keep their active minds unoccupied; neither can you frown
away evil. Only by the inculcation of right principles can you exclude
wrong thoughts. Unless parents plant the seeds of truth in the hearts
of their children, the enemy will sow tares. Good, sound instruction
is the only preventive of the evil communications that corrupt good
manners. Truth will protect the soul from the endless temptations that
must be encountered
Parents to Control Reading Habits—Many youth are eager for
books. They read anything that they can obtain. I appeal to the parents
of such children to control their desire for reading. Do not permit upon
your tables the magazines and newspapers in which are found love
stories. Supply their place with books that will help the youth to put
into their character-building the very best material—the love and fear
of God, the knowledge of Christ. Encourage your children to store
the mind with valuable knowledge, to let that which is good occupy
the soul and control its powers, leaving no place for low, debasing
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thoughts. Restrict the desire for reading matter that does not furnish
good food for the mind
Parents should endeavor to keep out of the home every influence
that is not productive of good. In this matter some parents have much
to learn. To those who feel free to read story magazines and novels
1
Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, 121
.
2
Ibid., 133
.
312