Some profess to find in the words of the Saviour in Matt. xv, 11, a warrant for the use of this "filthy weed." To such we would say that it is never allowable to make a general application of a scripture that is particular in its teachings, when such application conflicts with other scriptures. By reading Matt. xv, 1-20, it will be seen what superstitious traditions of the Jews the Saviour was correcting. To turn this in favor of the use of tobacco is no less an abuse of the scripture than to turn it in favor of drinking whisky or rum. Will alcohol defile the man, when taken "into the mouth?" The drunkard13in the filth of the gutter might refer to Matt. xv, 11, just as well as the tobacco chewer or smoker. But God's word checks all such caviling, by declaring that drunkards shall not inherit the Kingdom of heaven. 1 Cor. vi, 10. Many other scriptures speak to the same intent. Any individual that would uphold such a filthy and unnatural habit by the words of the Saviour, shows a great lack of discrimination, and perhaps of conscientiousness.
It has been said that it is allowable for a drunkard's wife to speak strongly against ardent spirits, and a fugitive against slavery. In like manner I may be permitted, with an experience of nearly fifteen years to speak thus plainly on this subject. A few questions I would propose to those who yet indulge their unnatural appetites.
1. Do you use tobacco with a fervent desire and an expectation to glorify God by it? 1 Cor. x, 31.
2. Can you "cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and Spirit," and still indulge in the most filthy habits? 2 Cor. vii, 1; also Rom. xii, 1, 2; James i, 21.
3. Can you gratify an inordinate desire for that which is wasteful, filthy, and injurious to body and mind, and yet obey the injunction to "keep yourselves from idols?"
Some say, "I am not a slave to tobacco; I can do without it just as well as not." Such have no excuse for its use; they are more guilty than any other class of tobacco users. But others say, "We cannot do without it; we cannot work nor think if deprived of it." Such have offered a good and sufficient reason why they should break off a habit which thus, according to their own confession enslaves both body and mind. If your enemy or the enemy of truth should steal your tobacco he would disarm you and disqualify you for serving the truth in any capacity.
A very zealous Methodist once told me he could not enjoy any meeting, however good, without his tobacco. I asked him if he enjoyed his tobacco out of meeting. He confessed he did. The conclusion was unavoidable that his tobacco was the chief source of his enjoyment. And this is but the experience of all tobacco users. Thus their strength is in their tobacco. But David said the Lord was his strength. Then let us all "be strong in the Lord."