Isn't it Worse for a Man? by Youth's Temperance Banner

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jan 9, 1879

"Isn't it Worse for a Man?"

By Youth's Temperance Banner

A gentleman who had recently given up the use of tobacco, says it is through the influence of his little son; and we give his history as he gave it to us:—

"I never chewed very much, but did enjoy my cigar. I prided myself on my fine Havanas, and might have been seen most any morning with a cigar in my mouth, walking down Broadway in a most comfortable frame of mind. My little son, about six years of age, was always glad to walk down with me as far as his school, and I liked to have his company. His bright face and extended hand were always welcome; and he bounded along beside me, chatting as such dear little fellows only can. The city has in it many dirty, uncared for boys, whose chief delight seems to be to pick up pieces of discarded cigars and broken pipes, and, with their hands in their pockets, puff away in a very inelegant manner. One morning it seemed as if little Edgar and I met a great many of the juvenile smokers. I became disgusted and pointed them out to Edgar as awful warnings of youthful delinquency, talked quite largely, and said the city authorities ought to interfere and break it up. A little voice, soft and musical, came up to me as I gave an extra puff to my superb Havana. A bright little face was upturned and the words, 'Isn't it worse for a man, father?' came to my ears. I looked down on the little fellow at my side. His eyes filled and the color mounted on his boyish cheek as if he had said something bold and unfitting. 'Do you think it worse for a man, Edgar?' I asked. 'Please, father, boys would not want to chew and smoke if they did not see men do it!' Here was the answer. I threw away my cigar, and have never used tobacco in any form since.—Youth's Temperance Banner."