A WORTHY EXAMPLE by Adolphus Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 13, 1869

A WORTHY EXAMPLE.

By Adolphus Smith

A SHORT time since, while riding in the cars, I overheard a conversation between several gentlemen, on the subject of tobacco using. Becoming interested, I joined with them, and learned the following facts:

The first speaker had, several years before, entered into a compact with a friend, never again to use tobacco. Not long after, on visiting his friend, he found him smoking. “I expostulated with him,” said the speaker, “but to no purpose. He continued the use of tobacco, and soon added to it, that of ardent spirits; until he became a confirmed inebriate. I have never tasted tobacco since, although I have seen the time when I would have given ten dollars for the privilege of smoking a single cigar, could I have done so without danger to my principles. I would not use tobacco again for one thousand dollars.”

What a worthy example for the Christian is furnished in the experience of this man of the world.

How many from religious motives undertake to quit the use of tobacco, only to make a miserable failure. It is impossible to engage successfully in any work of reform without the exercise of considerable firmness.

Is it right, Christian brother, to use tobacco? If it is, then print upon the cover of your tobacco-box, 1 Tim. iv, 4; when you fill it in the morning, lift your voice in a prayer of thanksgiving to God; and when you draw back from the table, and fill your mouth with fine cut, ejecting it over the table at every breath, give thanks to Him who regards the widow and the fatherless, and hears even the young ravens when they cry.

If you cannot do this, put away this body-defiling, soul-destroying poison forever.

ADOLPHUS SMITH.