whosoever is deceived
thereby is not wise." Prov. 20:1. "Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath
contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath
redness of eyes? They that tarry long at the wine: they that go to seek
mixed wine. Look not thou on the wine when it is red, when it giveth his
color in the cup, when it moveth itself aright [is fermented]. At the last
it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder." Prov. 23:29-32.

We would say again that in all things God has given us to sustain life and
make us healthful, comfortable and happy he would have us to be temperate
and "keep our body in subjection." But there are some things which he
would have us "touch not, taste not; handle not." Col. 2:21.

Tobacco.

Very few people especially among the religious class, are not willing to
admit that drunken debauchery and carousal is altogether outside the
realms of Christianity, and can only be engaged in by those wholly devoid
of the love and grace of God. It is however a source of astonishment to
the pure-hearted child of God to find so many professing Christ, yet
unwilling to admit that tobacco using is a lust of the flesh. Oftentimes
when speaking to a man concerning the tobacco habit, he will say, The word
tobacco is not mentioned in the Bible. This is true. As we have before
said, the word alcohol is not found in the Scriptures, but its effects
upon the human system are mentioned, and no one can thus affect his body
without placing his soul in great danger.

Tobacco is not mentioned in the Scripture, but its effects are, and we are
positively commanded to remedy such effects. Paul says, "Having therefore
these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all
filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of
God." 2 Cor. 7:1. One effect of tobacco using is "filthiness," from which
we are commanded to cleanse ourselves. But few people are not ready to
admit that using tobacco is a filthy habit. Then since the Word of God
condemns filthiness, the tobacco habit stands condemned. It is indeed a
sin-seared and tobacco-stunned conscience that denies the use of tobacco
being a lust of the flesh. It can be nothing else but a fleshly lust. How
frequently the lust of the flesh is condemned in the Holy Scriptures. It
wars against the soul. It is enmity against God. It lusteth against the
Spirit.

Dear reader, will you listen to reason and truth? We are aware