- Introduction
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
- Thorough Preparation
- Not to Practice Deception
- Purity of Life
- Not to Tamper with Sin
- Avoid Evil Associates
- Periodical Subscriptions
- Short Subscriptions a Mistake
- Economy and Self-Denial
- Be Bible Students
- Not to Rely on Premiums
- Canvass to Diffuse Light
- Honesty and Integrity of Character
- Discretion in Selecting Workers
- No Bounds to Improvement
- Not to Offer Special Inducements
- Need of Energy and Enthusiasm
- Cultivate Active Virtues
- Dangerous to Do Careless Work
- The Work High and Elevating
- Care in Selecting Workers
- True as Needle to Pole
- Enemies Will Respect
-
- Not to Dwell upon Doctrinal Subjects
- Need of Divine Guidance
- Less Controversy, More of Christ
- The Names of Jesus in Tenderness
- Speak of Christ's Love
- When They Behold Christ
- The Difficulty Most Dreaded
- Soul Brought to Jesus in Safe Keeping
- Draw Men to the Redeemer
- Be Faithful Students
- Means of Quickly Giving the Message
-
-
-
- Chapter 13—Frivolous and Exciting Literature
- Chapter 14—Prices of Our Publications
-
-
- Selection of Canvassers
- A Preparation for the Ministry
- Enduring Hardness
- A Precious Experience
- Reporting
- Example in Health Reform
- Gift of Speech
- A Knowledge of Their Book
- Tracts and Pamphlets
- Diligence
- Doubles Power of Usefulness
- Faithful Students
- Manners
- Willing to Be Taught
- The Work Elevating
- Two and Two
- The Very Work
- Instruction Must Be Given
- Sixth of Isaiah
- Those Whose Hearts Are Humble
- Speak Clearly
- Indispensable Qualification
- Canvassers Should Remember
- Tell Them with Simplicity
- Humble Prayer
- Soul Uplifted
- Canvassing a Preparation for the Ministry
- Prayer With Families
- Induced by Financial Prospects
- Worldly Stamp of Character
- Not All to Work for One Book
- Wrong Principles
- Papers, Tracts, and Pamphlets
- Be Helpful
- Worked by the Holy Spirit
- Our Work
- Those Whom God Can Use
- Angels’ Companionship
- By Prayer and Song
- From City to City
- Circulate the Publications
- Forces of Evil Gathering Strength
- As Long as Probation Lasts
- Books and Periodicals
- Books That Deal with Bible Subjects
- Preach by Books and Periodicals
- Publications to Go Everywhere
- Danger of Commercialism
- Speak of a Saviour's Love
- Young Men Who Volunteer
- Continual Reliance upon God
Chapter 13—Frivolous and Exciting Literature
The world is deluged with books that might better be consumed rather than circulated. Books upon Indian warfare and similar topics, published and circulated as a money-making scheme, might better never be read. There is a satanic fascination in these books. The heart-sickening relation of crimes and atrocities has a bewitching power upon many youth, exciting in them the desire to bring themselves into notice, even by the most wicked deeds. There are many works more strictly historical whose influence is little better. The enormities, the cruelties, the licentious practices, portrayed in these writings, have acted as leaven in many minds, leading to the commission of similar acts. Books that delineate the satanic deeds of human beings are giving publicity to evil works. The horrible details of crime and misery need not be lived over, and none who believe the truth for this time should act a part in perpetuating their memory.CEv 75.1
Love stories and frivolous and exciting tales constitute another class of books that is a curse to every reader. The author may attach a good moral, and all through his work may weave religious sentiments; yet in most cases Satan is but clothed in angel robes, the more effectually to deceive and allure. The mind is affected in a great degree by that upon which it feeds. The readers of frivolous, exciting tales become unfitted for the duties lying before them. They lead an unreal life, and have no desire for useful employment, and no desire to search the Scriptures, to feed upon the heavenly manna. The mind is enfeebled, and loses its power to contemplate the great problems of duty and destiny.CEv 75.2
I have been instructed that the youth are exposed to the greatest peril from improper reading. Satan is constantly leading both the youth and those of mature age to be charmed with worthless stories. Could a large share of the books published be consumed, a plague would be stayed that is doing a fearful work in weakening the mind and corrupting the heart. None are so confirmed in right principles as to be secure from temptation. All this trashy reading should be resolutely discarded.CEv 76.1
We have no permission from the Lord to engage in either the printing or the sale of such literature, for it is the means of destroying many souls. I know of what I am writing; for this matter has been opened before me. Let not those who believe the truth engage in this work, thinking to make money. The Lord will put a blight upon the means thus obtained; He will scatter more than is gathered.—Manual for Canvassers, 51-53.CEv 76.2