Health and Temperance by John O. Corliss

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1885

Health and Temperance.

By John O. Corliss

Evil Results of Tobacco Using.

ONE of the hopeful signs of the times is, that the hurtful effects of narcotics are being seen and acknowledged by the more thoughtful. It is also gratifying to know that those who have carefully examined the matter, are agreed that the injuries sustained by the habitual use of these poisons, are not confined to the physical, but extend to the mental faculties. It is gratifying to know this, because in the effort to rescue those who may be in the first stages of indulgence, one may with safety appeal to the learning and judgment of those whom the world honors in their professional line.

Whatever produces evil effects upon the body, will affect the mind in due proportion. No one whose body is weakened through disease, can be relied upon for that clearness and vigor of thought that is exercised by men in robust health. The reason is plain: A strong mind must have the support of a healthy body. For the reason that one’s mind is affected by his physical condition, the person who is much under the influence of narcotics, cannot fail to have a beclouded mind, and a dulled intellect. This position is well sustained in an article on the “Effects of Tobacco on Youth,” by Surgeon A. C. Gorgas, Medical Inspector, U. S. Navy, of which the following is an extract:—

“The depressing effect of tobacco upon growth, by diminishing the forces concerned in tissue change; its effect upon the heart and pulsation; the disturbance of muscular co-ordinative power; of ability to concentrate the mind upon study; the dyspeptic troubles, impairment of vision, headaches, and the retardation of sexual development and disturbance of that function, are conceded by most observers, and clearly demonstrated by many.”

This is certainly bad enough; but the matter does not stop with the troubles above noted. The indulgence of appetite in this direction soon becomes a habit that destroys the God-given power of self-respect, and degrades its victim to a life of slavery. The following excellent words from the Independent are to the point:—

“Besides the direct effect on impaired physical vigor, there is another view not enough considered: The power of choice, self-control, self-restraint. Will-power, in its best sense, is the greatest power beneath the sky. The freedom of the will is far more than a theological doctrine. It is the reserve hope of manhood, and not only decides individual character and destiny, but social and national destiny also. Our most outspoken quarrel with tobacco, as with other stimulants and narcotics, is this: Indulged in so early, they so affect the brain and nervous system that habits become dominant and uncontrollable, which lead to a general loss of self-restraint.

“The stamina, the pluck, the true grit of life succumbs to masteries that are ignoble. The one habit, if it does not lead to loss of this power in the individual, as it generally does, shows this loss marvelously in entailments. We hear much discussion as to whether intemperance is a disease. The real disease that is gaining ground is debility in self-restraint, and in producing that debility among the young. Tobacco is the most threatening power. It leads often to intemperance, to a general yielding of self-control, and so to many an evil greater than that of physical infirmity.

“It is because we are profoundly impressed with this evil that we would earnestly draw attention to it. The cigarette is one of the most unfortunate ‘toy pistols’ that has ever been put in the hands of American youth. Many are playing with it who not only acquire a habit evil to the body, but, through it, get an unmistakable break-down of the noblest possession of manhood, which shows itself in the individual, or in his descendants, in various forms of physical, mental, and moral weakness. The peril to American youth and American life from the tobacco habit must not be lost sight of in our earnest devotion to other reforms.”

In the light of this sentiment the tobacco question should be examined from a moral standpoint. If tobacco is the pernicious weed which so many are constrained to acknowledge it to be, can it be made to appear right in any sense for Christians to indulge in its use? We appeal to those who regard the word of God as a sufficient rule, and are willing to abide by its decisions. All such know that the inspired book calls for Christians to walk even as Christ walked; to be holy as he is holy; to glorify God in body and in spirit; to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit; to present their bodies a living sacrifice; and, in short, to avoid even the appearance of evil.

Does the person who indulges in the gratification of appetite, to the detriment of health, fulfill these conditions? Certainly not. Why should not religion change individuals in this respect as well as in other things that do not perhaps so strongly lead one captive? Good religion will doubtless prompt all who possess it to reform this habit when its evil tendencies are understood.