Basic HTML Version
Effects of Tobacco Use
55
Sowing and Reaping
—Let old and young remember that for
every violation of the laws of life, nature will utter her protest. The
penalty will fall upon the mental as well as the physical powers. And
it does not end with the guilty trifler. The effects of his misdemeanors
are seen in his offspring, and thus hereditary evils are passed down,
even to the third or fourth generation. Think of this, fathers, when
you indulge in the use of the soul-and-brain benumbing narcotic,
tobacco. Where will this practice leave you? Whom will it affect
besides yourselves?—
The Signs of the Times, December 6, 1910
.
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 practices, continued by the
children, are increasing and perpetuating the evil results. To this
cause in no small degree is owing the physical, mental, and moral
deterioration, which 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.—
The Ministry of Healing, 328,
329
.
Beginnings of Tobacco Intemperance
—There is no natural
appetite for tobacco in nature unless inherited.—
Manuscript 9, 1893
.
[57]
By the use of tea and coffee an appetite is formed for tobacco.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:563
.
The highly seasoned flesh meats and the tea and coffee, which
some mothers encourage their children to use, prepare the way for
them to crave stronger stimulants, as tobacco. The use of tobacco
encourages the appetite for liquor.—
Testimonies for the Church
3:488
.
Food prepared with condiments and spices inflames the stomach,
corrupts the blood, and paves the way to stronger stimulants. It
induces nervous debility, impatience, and lack of self-control. To-
bacco and the wine cup follow.—
The Signs of the Times, October
27, 1887
.