Testimony Treasures, Volume 1 - Ellen G. White

of which can be retained by the abused memory. Much less information, with
a mind well disciplined, would be of far greater value. You have neglected to
train your mind to vigorous action; therefore your will and inclination have
controlled you and been your masters instead of your servants. The result is a
loss of physical and mental power.
For years your mind has been like a babbling brook, nearly filled with
rocks and weeds, the water running to waste. Were your powers controlled
by high purposes, you would not be the invalid that you now are. You fancy
you must be indulged in your caprice of appetite and in your excessive
reading. I saw the midnight lamp burning in your room while you were
poring over some fascinating story, thus stimulating your already overexcited
brain. This course has been lessening your hold upon life and enfeebling you
physically, mentally, and morally. Irregularity has created disorder in your
house, and, if continued, will cause your mind to sink into imbecility. Your
God-given probation has been abused, your God-given time wasted.
Fruit of Improper Reading
God bestows upon us talents for wise improvement, not for abuse.
Education is but a preparation of the physical, intellectual, and moral powers
for the best performance of all the duties of life. Improper reading gives an
education that is false. The power of endurance, and the strength and activity
of the brain, may be lessened or increased according to the manner in which
they are employed. There is a work before you to dispose of your light
reading. Remove it from your house. Do not have before you the temptation
to pervert your imagination, to unbalance your nervous system, and to ruin
your children. By much reading you are unfitting yourself for the duties of a
wife and mother, and, in fact, are disqualifying yourself to do good
anywhere.
The Bible is not studied as it should be; therefore you do not become
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