Chapter 19

Chapter 19 The influence of light reading opposed to the progress of piety The apparatus which the great adversary has brought into action, in order to weaken the moral influence of Christians, is varied and well applied. To the sources of evil already enumerated, we must add, the flood of light and ephemeral productions so constantly issuing from the press.

These are not, of course, intended for the eye and the mind of the Christian; but are graduated, in their sentiments and style, to the great mass of volatile spirits, who wish for something new and racy to occupy a vacant hour, and to kindle a little temporary excitement.

But, unhappily, they too often find their way into those hands which ought to "to handle," instead thereof, "the word of life." The universal cry is, "Have you read this very interesting work?" The newspapers are lavish in their praises; the review enlarges on the genius of its author; and the follower of fashion seizes the volume as it issues from the press, in order to be among the first who have seen it. It is not to be wondered at, then, that this tempting bait should find its way into the library of a Christian, or be seen among the productions which adorn his parlour table. What "everybody reads," it is inferred, "ought to be read by me. I shall be singular not to have perused it, when the whole town are descanting upon its merits." So, with a little such reasoning, backed by that fondness for novelty and excitement which piety may repress, but does not extinguish, the Bible is suddenly closed, and the flippant volume is already riveting the attention.

It came in at the hour of evening prayer. It seemed as if the spiritual foe, anticipating the time when the Christian was to have been on his knees, taking by "violence the kingdom of heaven," sent this light-armed enemy to divert his attention, and to deprive him of the hallowed enjoyment. But will he allow the intruder to rob him of his devotions? Will not only the Bible, but prayer be postponed, until the exciting tale is ended? Alas! it is to be feared when once the fascination has commenced, the charm will not be broken, even by the voice of conscience mustering in under-tones about misspent time and neglected duties. The midnight hour has come, the last leaf is cut, and the book is closed. Now, ask the interested reader, what are his or her feelings. Are they in tune for devotion? Does the excited mind, recollecting the incidents and revolving the whole scene, return with satisfaction to communion with its Bible? Is there not an oppressive sense of wrong which scarcely admits of even a hurried prayer? Does not the soul, on the following day, carry somewhat of a depressed air; as if violence had been done to its better feelings, which, like a wound inflicted on the body, must bleed for a season before they can be healed? Conscience is quick to perceive a wrong, and to administer its retributive reproofs. However earnestly some may plead for the lawfulness of this species of reading, all Christians will allow that they are not the happier for its indulgence. Life’s hours are too precious, and its duties too serious and responsible, to allow the one to be consumed, and the other to be postponed, or set aside, for such vanities.

It is not worth our while here to discuss the question, whether in no case these works may be innocently perused. The object of these pages being to promote the joys of piety, and to caution its professors against whatever is likely to impede them; the writer feels himself called upon to state only the general injurious tendency of such productions. He would recommend to the Christian, who wishes to avoid every means of deterioration, habitual abstinence from this frivolous species of reading. If we are singular in this respect it will be in exact accordance with the Divine intention in redeeming us, namely, that we might be "a peculiar people."

There is a very large amount of light periodical reading, including reviews, the periodical miscellanies, the newspapers, which would urge itself upon the Christian’s attention; and which is designed to occupy only the interstices of his time. But who has not felt the pernicious influence of this ephemeral reading, in absorbing not merely the leisure hour, but valuable portions of the day, and invading even the sacred season allotted to devotion? Where this is the case, it must be conceded, that they become serious impediments to the fruits of piety; and that no Christian can look for peace and joy from his piety, if he listens to these rival claimants, and permits his mind to be the sport of so many counteracting influences. Our time is too precious to allow of such heavy drafts from these importunate visitors, who, in many cases, have nothing to recommend them but a fine dress and a flippant tongue. A Christian mind cannot give some of them audience, without derogating somewhat from its dignity; nor converse intimately with them, without acquiring an injurious taint from the contact. The writer would be understood as admitting of exceptions; and, far from a general proscription of periodical works, he would recommend a judicious selection as highly important and useful. But, in this case, he must urge the importance of giving them their legitimate place, as to the interest which they claim, and the time which is employed in perusing them. If there is a fondness for such reading, which weakens our attachment to the Bible, and to works of practical piety, we have reason to suspect that already their influence has become injurious. If important Christian duties are neglected or postponed to gratify this thirst for news, or the mere indulgence of our taste, it is evident we have allowed this reading a place, which its comparative insignificance and our Christian obligations will not justify. We thus allow it to rob us of our peace of conscience, the possession of which is indispensable to our pious joy.

How admirably does piety adjust these varying claims, giving to man a scale by which he can know how much importance to attach to each, and in what place the several duties and pleasures of life shall fall. If we attempt to reverse this order, or fail to recognize the great principle on which it is founded; namely, "Seeking first the kingdom of God," we at once put "darkness for light, and light for darkness;" we "fall into temptation and a snare;" our Christian peace is interrupted; and we "pierce ourselves through with many sorrows." Aware of this, the truly devoted and happy Christian determines on a systematic life; in which every duty shall have precedence according to its importance; time shall be so allotted as to meet and settle the highest claims first; and even the innocent gratifications shall have a place, but not such a place as shall disqualify the soul from its great work, or weaken its desires for the pure joys of devotion.