Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-03-17

A :
we like to read about them. Some may re-
gret that metaphysics, or even theology, is
not soIpopular as fiction, but it is q useless
regret It is fact which is founded upon
human nature. Scott's novels will always
be more read than Scott's commentaries, in
the nature of things. So long as the in
stlncts of our human race remain un-
changed the majority of us will be more in
terested in hearing or reading how other
people live than in learning what they
think.
FOOLISH CRY.
1t is foolish, then, to say "do not read
novels" But this fact makes it all the
more necessary to apply to novels, the
Masters caution ''take heed."' In no de-
partment of literature have we more reason
to write up over the door, take heed what
ye read" The proverb, evil communica-
tions corrupt good manners" applies as
much to the choice of a novel as to the
choice of friend. You choose whole
circle of friends when you choose novel.
They may not be very lasting friends, but
they are very real, and potent in influence
over you for better or worse, while they do
last.
No one can measure the effect upon us of
our surroundings; but a novel changes our
surroundings You no longer live here in
such a house, with such and such pictures
upon the walls, with such and such COM
panions at the table. You live where the
people of your novel live. For the moment
that is your house; these are your friends;
you are member of that kind of society.
1t matters not little, then, whether or not
you choose such novels as shall surround
you with elevating influences and helpful
friends. Live, even in fiction, with gentle,
well-mannered, refined, cultured, thought
ful people, and you will grow more refined
and more thoughtful. Live with coarse,
smart, vulgar, loud-voiced and loud-man-
nered persons, and you know What will hap
pen. If your hero is frivolous and your
, heroine a firt; if your people have no
brains and apparently no souls, alas for you,
If you can read that sort of thing and like it.
cHILDREN's READING.
Choose, especially, your children's stories,
as you choose their companions. Read them
first yourself If you would be willing to
let your child go away from you for week
into the company of such people as you find
in the book, and join in their talk, and be
one of them, and be like them-that is a
good book, and the more the child reads of
such books, the better. But it is amazing
what society parents will permit to their
children-in booksl
Fortunately we live in the day of good
novels. There is no need to-day that any
BODY who wants to be interested, and for
time taken away from his weariness, or his
trouble, should seek the society of either
frivolous or low people. Robert Burton,
who wrote the Anatomy OF Melancholy"
used to seek diversion, when he was griev-
ously depressed, by going down to the
wharves to listen to the elaborate profanity
of the sailors. We have no need to initiate
him. A novel is a gift from heaven when
1t takes you among such people and into
such an atmosphere and within hearing of
such good and refined and helpful talking
as you will find between the covers of the
books which bear the name of George Mac
donald. do not know any better company
anywhere.
ley. in answer to letter, "to hear that my
they have comtorted you. They have all
been written from nv heart in the hope of
doing good" 1t is significant that in these
days all the great questions which engage
the thought of men may be found illus
trated, pictured out and made plain, and
accessible and popular in novels. Many
earnest souls, we may believe, are trying
Kingsley's plan, and writing novels as the
best way of approaching, teaching and help
ing people. Such novels are pretty sure to
be worth reading.
TAKE HEED.
have spoken at this length about novels,
because they are, as 1 said, of all books, the
most frequently and eagerly read. In other
reading you will not go far astray, but among
all books, concerning novels most have we
especial need to remember the caution, stake
heel what We read"
The best guide in reading, better than all
the lists of hundred books, better than all
the siftings of the critics, is simply reali-
cation of your Christian response
bility. Remember that you are
responsible to God for the way you
use our time, and you will not fail to be-
stow your time fruitfully. Remember who
has given you eyes and a mind, and you
will then more readily use them Alright.
You are here to make the most of life. 1t is
your Christian duty to read those books,
and those alone, which will make your life
widest. richest, and most worthy.
Whatever puts higher thoughts into your
mind, sets nobler ideals'before you, makes
you wiser, predetermined, more full of
charity, of reverence, and of the spirit Of
service; whatever makes you see more of
Gods great world, and brings yon nearer to
your fellow men, and brings you closer to
God-read that. GEORGE HODGES.