Basic HTML Version
Stimulants and Narcotics
223
Among children and youth the use of tobacco is working un-
told harm. The unhealthful practices of past generations affect the
children and youth of today. Mental inability, physical weakness,
disordered nerves, and unnatural cravings are transmitted as a legacy
from parents to children. And the same
[184]
practices, continued by the children, are increasing and perpet-
uating the evil results. To no small degree this is the cause of the
physical, mental, and moral deterioration that is becoming such a
cause of alarm.
Boys begin the use of tobacco at a very early age. The habit
thus formed when body and mind are especially susceptible to its
effects undermines the physical strength, dwarfs the body, stupefies
the mind, and corrupts the morals.
But what can be done to teach children and youth the evils of
a practice of which parents, teachers, and ministers set them the
example? Little boys, hardly emerged from babyhood, may be seen
smoking cigarettes. If one speaks to them about it, they say, “My
father uses tobacco.” They point to the minister or the Sunday-school
superintendent and say, “Such a man smokes; what harm for me to
do as he does?” Many workers in the temperance cause are addicted
to the use of tobacco. What power can such persons have to stay the
progress of intemperance?
I appeal to those who profess to believe and obey the Word
of God: Can you as Christians indulge a habit that is paralyzing
your intellect and robbing you of power rightly to estimate eternal
realities? Can you consent daily to rob God of service that is His
due, and to rob other people both of service you might render and of
the power of example?
As God’s stewards, have you considered your responsibility for
the means in your hands? How much of the Lord’s money do you
spend for tobacco? Add up what you have spent during your lifetime.
How does the amount consumed by this defiling lust compare with
what you have given for the relief of the poor and the spread of the
gospel?
No human being needs tobacco, but multitudes are perishing for
want of the means that by its use is worse than wasted. Have you not
been misappropriating the Lord’s goods? Have you not been guilty
of robbery toward God and needy people? “Do you not know that