A prize essay on smoking / by Miss Annie Jones.

  • Jones, Annie, Miss.
Date:
1862
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: A prize essay on smoking / by Miss Annie Jones. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    ture.’ ” Let him consider whether God intended smoking to be one of the means for developing that condition of body and mind, which ought to characterize probationers for a beter world. The 44th chapter of Isaiah (which was written 760 years B.C.) speaks plainly on the delusion that would come upon the people. The prophet is speaking of idol-makers ; now what is a greater idol in the present day to many persons than his pipe ? From the first thing in the morning until the last at night, time, money, and talents all are sacrificed at the shrine of the “ Goddess Tobacco.” The use of tobacco is not forbidden by name, because the Bible was written before its introduction. A doctor was visiting the house of a patient, and while there the father commenced smoking, upon which the doctor asked him to desist. When leaving, a Bible was called for, but one was not to be found, only a few fragments. The infatuated man had smoked for thirty years, spending not less than threepence per week in tobacco ! He believed that tobacco smoke was better than the Bible. St. Paul says,—“ But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection.” Can a smoker say this? He allows himself to be entirely under its influence. Are we not commanded to redeem time P What so idle a “ pastime ” as tobacco smoking! In conclusion, I would address a few words to Parents ! Form the re¬ solution now that you will entirely refrain from polluting your lips with this poisonous weed and its too frequent accompaniment,—intoxicating liquor. Set an example to your children by combating and overcoming a practice so endangering to your mind, so prejudicial to your health, and so wasteful of your much needed earthly resources. To Mothers, I would say, try and influence your sons by showing them the baneful effects which smoking produces, and though your ef¬ forts may not be successful at first, a mother’s prayer has often removed difficulties that once appeared insurmountable. “ Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt find it after many days.” To Sisters, I would urge you by persuasion and love to induce your brothers to cast away their meerschaums and cigars, and to show by your marks of attention and kindness that a brother’s happiness is one of your greatest pleasures. To Young Men I would now say, Beware! You are entering into life young, hopeful, and enterprising. The world stands open before you ; you will have to battle with numerous temptations that will surround you on every hand ; you require to be guarded. Many a young man can date his overthrow to indulging in a cigar ; which led him to the tavern, and so continuing in his downward course, was lost. Besides, non-smo/cers are always preferred in a counting house or other public office, to fill responsible situations; and in the words of Solomon I would say, “ My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not.” May the time rapidly approach when the people of England shall cast away the narcotic weed, as prejudicial to health, hostile to religion, and productive of some of the worst and most incurable diseases to which human nature is liable. May every scientific man, every scholar, every philanthropist, and every Christian abstain from smoking, and thus be free in the Sight of God in this particular, from all responsibility both in practice and example. May God in his mercy bless our united efforts to stay this physical and social evil. Printed by Isaac Pitman, Phonetic Institute, Parsonage Lane, Bath.
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