A Testimony Against Tobacco
By J. D. Hough
BRO. SMITH: While reading the communications in the Review from the scattered remnant, it cheers my heart to think that we have such an organ through which we can communicate with each other; and I would say that my heart is with those that are trying to keep the commandments. We are living in a trying time. We must be a tried people, a despised people, a meek, humble and pure people. The promise is to them that have clean hands and pure hearts. Reader, is this your happy lot? If so, you have made the good choice that will shield you when the wrath of God will be poured out without mixture. I often ask myself the question, Shall I ever overcome and stand on mount Zion? It is my wish to go with you to the kingdom. I find it will take the whole heart to perform the work. I have been too lukewarm, but with the help of the Lord I am determined to meet you in the kingdom. I crave an interest in your prayers. A word to those that use tobacco. I have been a slave to tobacco for some twenty-eight years, and have not been slack in burning incense to Baal; for it was my first business in the morning, and the last thing at night, and I verily thought that I could not live without it. I have in some cases ordered it to patients to cure or stop diseases, but have found out by my own experience for the last nine months that tobacco was not made to chew or smoke, as I have not used a particle for about that length of time, and have not enjoyed such health for thirty years. I would say to any brother or sister using it, try the effect of its disuse. J. D. HOUGH. Rochester, Mich., Jan. 1st, 1858.