Was this small plant for thee cut down?
So was the plant of great renown;
Which mercy sends
For nobler ends.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
Doth juice medicinal proceed
From such a naughty foreign weed?
Then what's the pow'r
Of Jesse's flow'r?
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
The promise, like the pipe, inlays,
And by the mouth of faith conveys
What virtue flows
From Sharon's rose.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
In vain th' unlighted pipe you blow;
Your pains in inward means are so,
'Till heav'nly fire
Thy heart inspire.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
So should a praying heart of yours,
With ardent cries,
Surmount the skies.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
Smoking Spiritualized, Part 2
~Ralph Erskine~
5 comments:
I'm not sure what he means to imply by the word "naughty"... It might just refer to the difficulty inherent to cultivating tobacco, but given the modern implications of the word its presence is probably my only complaint about this excellent poem!
Ugh! Icky things! Oh, well...still a great poem!
They're not icky things! Simply one of many praiseworthy items in the category of "acquired tastes"; some of which take certain individuals longer to "acquire" than others.
You drink your coffee black, correct Stephen? I do as well, but not everyone can appreciate the intensity of a sturdy, unadulterated cup of dark roast. Similarly, some people will never appreciate a good cigar, some will learn to do so over time, and some like it straightaway. I count myself blessed to fall in the third category, and hope you eventually find yourself similarly blessed to fit into the second!
The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof!!
First of all, I do drink black coffee. As to smoking, I just don't know. It doesn't seem very healthy and it can't have the benefits that alcohol does!
I will admit, I received much more enjoyment from your smoke last time y'all visited.
Oh well! Perhaps one day when I am a older gentleman who has won his spurs.....
Why can't it have the benefits alcohol does? I don't think smoking has been studied as extensively for positive health effects as red wine and other Presbyterian approved beverages, but that doesn't mean that the health benefits aren't out there waiting to be discovered! It has been demonstrated, for example, that tobacco users have a significantly lower risk of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and other neurological disorders, as well as a decreased risk of some severe heart conditions.
There are many more things I would fain say on the subject... probably sufficient for another post at a later date. Stay tuned!
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