Part 6 — MADE A DRUNKARD BY HIS CIGAR

I knew a young clergyman whose oratory obtained for him the admiration of many influential persons, among whom was a gentleman of fortune, who courted his company and taught him to smoke.

The young minister was warned of his danger, but could not be persuaded to renounce that which he considered a harmless indulgence. He insisted that his cigar soothed his mind and composed his feelings. A friend, in reply, told him that the mind never needs composing when in health; and the feelings never need artificial soothing only when improperly irritated; and added, “Beware how you indulge in a bad habit.”

Impatient under the rebuke, the clergyman replied: “I smoke but seldom, and could almost do without it.”

‘Seldom’ and ‘almost’ are two fatally ominous words. ‘Seldom’ will become ‘regular,’ and ‘almost’ be converted into ‘always.’ And as smoking and drinking are companions, let me beseech you, said his friend, “not to make them yours. Ministers should be a fence around the pit of perdition.

“Some inexperienced youth may see you smoke, and, imitating your example, become a confirmed smoker, and sooner or later a confirmed drunkard. The line of demarkation being once effaced, he may soon be lost in the vortex of sin.”

Little did this young preacher suppose this to be a prophetic picture of his own mournful case. But he continued the habit, and, little by little, his splendid talents became dim, and his hearers forsook him. His wealthy host, who first taught him to smoke, witnessed his growing desire for stimulants, and with a look more expressive than words, declared that “in spite of praying and preaching, professors of religion like the good things of this life, as well as others; and that, after all, saints and sinners are pretty much alike.”

The days of this eloquent young clergyman were ended in ignominy; and a life which promised to be happy and illustrious, was early brought to a miserable close. His intemperate habits, it was supposed, killed his young wife, and made a beggar of his child. He died in a madhouse, blaspheming the very Saviour whom he had once preached.

Avoid smoking. “It is the devil’s leading string, beginning with a hair and ending with a cable.”

DAVID PAULSON, M. D. President Anti-Cigarette League of America