IS THE USE OF TOBACCO A FILTHINESS OF THE FLESH?
By J. Bostwick
MANY tobacco users are not willing to admit the words filthiness of the flesh, in 2 Cor. vii, 1, as being applicable to them, as tobacco was not in use in the Apostle's day. To such I would say, Is there not a principle in the text, and will not that principle apply to the uses of the filthy weed? I know some fortify themselves quite strongly on the sayings of our Saviour in Matt. xv, 10-20. It is plain on a careful reading that our Saviour has particular reference to their food; and tobacco is not food by any means. It was known then only as a poisonous herb; but to the extent which it is made use of at the present day one might imagine it had become an aliment. When I was at Glen-Haven water-cure, engaged in the study and practice of hydropathy, one Mr. M. of Philadelphia, as well as many others, presented himself for treatment. He had been an inveterate smoker of tobacco for some years, and his flesh had become so polluted thereby that the nervous fluid and blood had barely a chance for circulation, producing almost a total loss of the use of the lower limbs. On being informed of the cause of his disease, he quit the use of tobacco. His first treatment was thorough wet-sheet packs and baths; and if some of the tobacco users who profess the present truth could have been there and witnessed the result of this packing they would think at least that one thing that enters a man will defile him. On taking him out of his wet-sheet envelope, in which he had been soaking an hour or more at a time, the stench and fumes of tobacco would arise from his body and the sheet in which he had been enveloped so that individuals were glad to leave the room. Some who witnessed the unpacking and bathing were made sick at the stomach. Three different attendants were called upon to finish the bathing which only lasted five minutes. When the tobacco was pretty well drawn out of his filthy and polluted flesh he began to recover the use of his limbs. This one case may serve to illustrate many which occur in water-cure practice. Ask the many who have quit the use of tobacco through the assistance of water-cure if they consider it a filthiness of the flesh; they will give you an emphatic answer in the affirmative. I have seen individuals who came for miles to get the advice of a hydropathic physician in abandoning the use of tobacco. I have seen individuals who have overcome the abominable habit by the assistance of water appliances. I have also conversed with those who have got the victory over this filthy practice by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. All will agree that it is generally a habit, and a dirty practice, and when the understanding is enlightened on this subject is it not a sin to thus pollute our bodies with this insidious poison? I know of no better way to master this vice than to make it a subject of prayer. Yes, prayer! better than all other modes. That Being who can heal diseases will help in the subduing of this as well as all other practices which may be called filthiness of the flesh. Blessed thought! We have a High Priest who can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Not long since, in this State, a good brother got the victory over this habit in answer to prayer; and the language of his heart is, "The Lord hath done great things for me." He had often tried before to quit its use, but in his own strength. Here is where many fail. When a man's system is completely saturated with tobacco so that the very blood and nerves of his brain are pickled with it, how can he expect help from strong resolutions when the very brain that produces those resolutions is polluted with tobacco? And as long as we look to self for victory over any besetting sin, I care not how small, we are liable to fail. O that we might realize this more fully. If we all would look to Christ for victory over every besetment would we not soon have a church without spot or wrinkle? How can any of us for a moment indulge the thought of there being a tobacco chewer, smoker, or snuff-taker among the living saints to be translated at the coming of the blessed One. Then we would say, Cleanse yourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, and thus be a vessel unto sanctification and honor, meet for the Master's use.