p. 477 | Health and Temperance by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 6, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 30.

Health and Temperance.

By Editor

A Good Stand.

THE late annual synod of the Reformed Presbyterian Church, in session at Morning Sun, Iowa, adopted the following, which we are pleased to note as a strike toward a much-needed reform:—

"There is a peculiar association between the evil of intemperance and the evils arising from the use of tobacco. Tobacco-users object to this classification, but they cannot deny the facts. Synod refers these subjects to the same committee because they are homogeneous. The recent legislation requiring scientific instruction on the dangerous effects of alcoholic stimulants requires the same as to narcotics.

"The States enacting prohibitory laws against liquor are following with restrictions on the sale of tobacco. These evils are kindred. There is a family resemblance that betrays their common parentage. They grow in the same soil and they bear similar fruits. The evils are the same in kind and differ less in degree than most persons suppose.

"The waste of money for tobacco is two-thirds as great as that for intoxicants. As it injures the body and deteriorates the mind and degrades the morals and wars against the soul, its influence is less manifest but just as certain. It is also a public offense. It exerts an evil influence in leading others to sin. It is an outrage on the rights of those who are compelled to wade through its filth, and to breathe its offensive and poisonous atmosphere. We adopt the following resolutions:—

"1. We express our strongest disapprobation and condemnation of the traffic, and indulgence in the use of tobacco, and warn our members against this blemish on Christian character.

"2. Synod reiterates all its former brotherly admonitions to ministers, elders, and deacons, and Sabbath-school teachers, that their continuance in this practice is inconsistent with their position as ensamples to the flock, and is most ensnaring to the youth of the church.

"3. Presbyteries are enjoined to carry out the law of synod, by not receiving or retaining under their care students that continue in this habit, refusing them licensure; and we will respect the request of those presbyteries that have asked that no tobacco-users be assigned to them, and they will be justified in refusing appointments to any such offenders, as may through oversight be allotted to them.

"We most earnestly and kindly warn our youth, precious sons of Zion, not to be misled by the evil practice of many professed Christians, who mourn their bondage. We remind them that if these fathers had been taught the evil of this practice as we have, they would not deliberately have chosen this course. The fact that professed Christians are addicted to the habit does not change its abominable and sinful character, nor will it in any way avert its consequences in your lives."