THERE IS A REMEDY by Editor

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · Oct 18, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 42.

THERE IS A REMEDY.

By Editor

A CIGARET victim writes the New York Journal thus:—

I am almost eighteen years of age, and have been using these "coffin nails" for almost two years, and smoke on an average of ten to fifteen cigarets each day, inhaling same all the time. I have been censured by my people time and time again, but same does not seem to have any effect upon me. If there is any remedy you know of for this injurious habit, I would thank you to advise me as to same, as I am getting to be a slave to this enemy—the cigaret.

The Journal replies: "Take outdoor exercise and plenty of it. Tire yourself out physically. Remember that if there is any manliness in you, you can stop the dangerous habit. Stop it."

But many can not stop. Years ago we entreated a genial neighbor, a professed Christian, to quit tobacco-using. He remarked: "I admit all you say. It is a mean, low, expensive, filthy, disgusting habit." "Then," we remarked, "why do you not quit it, Mr. S.?" He replied frankly, "I am not man enough."

And yet there are noble men who are using it, who find it impossible to break the power of the habit.

One of the leading denominations of the land requires that its young preachers shall not use tobacco, but permits it in the old. The young man had recently attended a conference, where he was examined, among other things, in regard to this very matter. The examiner, an aged preacher, occupied rooms with him; and at night, before retiring, the old man went to the window, raised it, lit his cigar (or pipe), and on his knees—for the window was low—burnt incense to his master—the weed.

Now, there can be no question but what that old minister wanted to break the habit. He was ashamed to indulge before his associate. He was a moral coward. But in his own strength he could not stop, and there are many others in the same boat on the same stream.

In fact, the tobacco habit is more weakening to the will than the liquor habit. It has been demonstrated in mines and other public works that men accustomed to daily drinking will go weeks and months without liquor, but who will not go even days without tobacco. The will is too weak to resist the craving.

Is there a remedy?—Yes, there is in Jesus Christ. He came "to preach deliverance to the captives," "to set at liberty them that are bruised." Are you bound, dear soul? Think it over. Note the wretchedness, the littleness of the bondage. Think what it means to your body, your welfare, your soul. Think of the glorious freedom from the habit. And then go to Jesus Christ with the firm resolve in your heart that you will break from its power or die in the attempt. And surely it is better to die without than with it; for it is better to die free than a slave. Tell Jesus, your Friend, all about it. Tell Him how weak you are. He will not despise you. Give it all up to Him forever. Make no reserve. Bring into the covenant no "if." Then, in simple faith, ask Him for strength, and stop, and believe you are done with it forever. Reckon yourself dead to it.

If you need the discipline which comes from a hard struggle, He will permit the struggle. But surely you will not pray for victory, and hope for victory, unless you are willing to fight the battle. And fighting it with Him, nay, more, He fighting it in you, you are sure of victory. If you are not able to fight that battle against debased appetite, Jesus Christ will take away the appetite if you wish it with all your heart. He has done this many times in the past; He can do it for you.

If He desires you to fight a battle that faith and will may be made strong, cooperate with Him to the fullest extent. Take no stimulants; eat nourishing, strengthening, simple food; get plenty of sleep. If possible, take eliminative baths, to drive the poison from the system. Break the habit, break to win, in His strength, and you will praise God for freedom from slavery and victory over a base habit forevermore.