Before accepting the present truth, some had formed the habit of novel reading. Upon uniting with the church, they made an effort to overcome this habit. To place before this class reading similar to that which they have discarded is like offering intoxicants to the inebriate. Yielding to the temptation continually before them, they soon lose their relish for solid reading. They have no interest in Bible study. Their moral power becomes enfeebled. Sin appears less and less repulsive. There is manifest an increasing unfaithfulness, a growing distaste for life’s practical duties. As the mind becomes perverted, it is ready to grasp any reading of a stimulating character. Thus the way is open for Satan to bring the soul fully under his domination. {7T 203.3}

Før de modtog sandheden, havde nogle haft for vane at læse romaner. Da de sluttede sig til menigheden, anstrengte de sig for at overvinde denne vane. At stille denne gruppe overfor en læsning af lignende art, som den de har lagt bort, er som at tilbyde drankeren brændevin. De giver efter for den fristelse, der til stadighed ligger foran dem og mister snart deres smag for god læsning. De har ingen interesse i at granske Bibelen. Deres moralske kraft bliver svækket. Synden synes mindre og mindre frastødende. Der viser sig en stadig større utroskab og en voksende afsmag for livets praktiske pligter. Efterhånden som sindet fordærves, bliver det rede til at gribe enhver form for læsning af stimulerende art. På denne måde bliver vejen åbnet for Satan, så han kan bringe sjælen helt ind under sit herredømme.