p. 605 | Health and Temperance

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 8, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 38.

Health and Temperance.

Tobacco Worship.

"Thou shalt have no other gods before me." Ex. 20:3.

THE pipe in the greatest number of cases becomes a god. Says a certain writer in the Primitive Methodist some time ago: "I was convinced first, that I worshiped an idol; second, that it was the most worthless of all gods, being nothing but smoke!" "When many of the tobacco consumers get into trouble, or under any cross or affliction, instead of looking to God for support, the pipe or the twist is applied to with quadruple earnestness; so that four times, I might say, in some cases, ten times the usual quantity is consumed on such occasions. What a comfort is the weed in time of sorrow! What a support in time of trouble! In a word, what a god!"—Dr. A. Clarke.

A friend in writing to the Rev. Mr. Trask, states the following: "For over thirty years, an old gentleman of St. Albans, Vt., has made a practice of getting out of bed every night at eleven, twelve, two, and four o'clock to enjoy a comfortable smoke. Few worship their God night and day. We are commanded to 'pray without ceasing,' but this old tobacco saint has misinterpreted the command, and smokes without ceasing. What a reproof to those who profess to worship the true God. This poor soul, in order to finish his course with joy, sacrifices sleep. It is his meat and drink to obey the commands of his pipe. Another feature—he does it in succession, needs not a 'revival' to quicken his energies. He obeys one command, he has no other god but this; he has no intercessor between him and his god, as they are on good terms. In all probability he will never forsake his god, or his god forsake him. He offers incense to this god night and day." Is not this idolatry? But are there not thousands upon thousands who are guilty of the same sin? It is computed that about three hundred millions worship this filthy idol. Appalling fact! May a merciful God open their eyes.—Rev. A. Sims.