S. Smoking Spiritualized

Smoking Spiritualized
in Two Parts

A Poem by Ralph Erskine (1685-1752) The electronic edition of this article was scanned and edited by Shane Rosenthal for Reformation Ink. It is in the public domain and may be freely copied and distributed. What follows is the introduction to this work as it appears in The Practical Works of Ralph Erskine, Vol. 10, 1778.
The following poem, the second Part of which was written by Mr. Erskine, is here insterted, to fill up this Page, as a proper Subject of Meditation to Smokers of Tobacco.

Smoking Spiritualized.
In Two Parts. The first Part being an old Meditation upon Smoking Tobacco;
the second, a new Addition to it, or Improvement of it.

Part One: The Law * THIS Indian weed now wither’d quite,
Tho’ green at noon, cut down at night,
Shows thy decay;
All flesh is hay.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco. The pipe, so lily-like and weak,
Does thus thy mortal state bespeak
Thou art ev’n such,
Gone with a touch.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco. And when the smoke ascends on high, Then thou behold’st the vanity Of worldy stuff, Gone with a puff.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco. And when the pipe grows foul within, Think on thy soul defil’d with sin; For then the fire, It does require.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco. And seest the ashes cast away;

Then to thyself thou mayest say, That to the dust Return thou must.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

Part Two: The Gospel 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 power Of Jesse’s flower?

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 outward means are so, Till heav’nly fire The heart inspire.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco. The smoke, like burning incense, tow’rs; So should a praying heart of yours, With ardent cries, Surmount the skies.

Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

*The first part, according to the adverstisement, is of unknown origin, and not a work of Erskine.