soul-and-body destroying habit. This time the protest comes from the medical profession itself. It seems rather ironical that the medi cal profession should be so engaged in such a protest when so many o f its own members are avid addicts. This time the Surgeon General o f the United States Public Health Service, himself, has taken a hand in the matter and has appointed a committee o f as impartial judges as possible to make an exhaustive study o f the effects o f cigarette smoking upon the human body. The Reader’ s Digest article referred to above states, “ As evi dence piles up linking heavy cigarette smoking with cancer and other serious ills, the tobacco industry, the medical profession and the public anxiously await the report o f a committee o f scientists assembled by the Surgeon General o f the U.S. Public Health Serv ice.” On a basis o f numerous previous investigations o f this subject, all available evidence certainly points to a terrific indictment against smoking. It will be interesting, indeed, to note whether this "com mittee o f scientists” will have enough strength o f character to pre sent a factual report. In the light o f all previous unbiased investi gations, it would appear that the only conclusion which can possi bly be reached, on a basis o f evidence available, is that cigarettes are far more dangerous to the health o f an individual than even heretofore suspected. We suggest that it is about time for the Protestant churches o f our beloved land to warn young people once again concerning the evils o f the cigarette habit. Christian people who themselves are the victims o f this condition should surely consider very serious ly their responsibility in warning their own young people against this vice with all o f its harmful effects. It is encouraging to note that, according to a newspaper item which appeared in the Los Angeles Times on July 15, 1963, "In an all-out attack on cigarette smoking the (California) State Health Department recommended, Thursday, the establishment o f clinics to assist people in breaking the habit. The evidence now indicates that cigarette smoking has such a profoundly harmful effect on health that it should be abandoned.” With the wealth o f data mounting at an ever-increasing rate, it would seem that surely now is the time for Christian leaders o f youth programs to present a double-barrelled warning concerning this evil practice. For the sake o f our testimony, as well as for the sake o f our own physical health, cigarette smoking should be diligently avoided by any and all who name the name o f our Lord Jesus Christ. While it is true that smoking is not mentioned in the Bible (tobacco having been first found in use by the American Indians when Columbus landed in 1492) there are innumerable Scriptures to cover the subject, such as Colossians 3:17: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name o f the Lord Jesus, giving thanks unto God and the Father by Him.” Never have I heard o f anyone’s thanking God for or praying His blessing upon this dirty, dangerous "weed” !
“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." I O f first importance in all Christian enterprise is the dissemination and proc lamation o f G od’s Word. T o this great task the Pocket Testament League is wholly dedicated. ■ You can contribute substantially to this world-wide ministry, and assure y ou rself o f a dependable life-tim e income, through two sound plans: Write Mr. Alfred A. Kunz about either or both of these guaranteed income plans, also about “ living memorials’’ and bequests, with the booklet “A Plan for Faithful Stew ards.” J. EDWARD SMITH, International Director POCKET TESTAMENT LEAGUE, Inc. 49 Honeck St., Englewood, New Jersey Canada: 74 Crescent Rd., Toronto 5, Ontario Pray for the ministry of this Magazine OBSERVING PROTESTANT PRESS MONTH HOW CAN THE JEWknowCHRIST This 75-year old mission was found ed to bring a Christian witness to the Jew. Every day in many cities in the U. S. and Israel a staff of dedicated workers make their way along the streets in business and residential areas to engage Jews in conversation concerning Messiah •Jesus. Children are gathered for club meetings and are won to the Saviour. Radio messages reach millions of Jews every week, in North America and Israel. The results — the Lord says, “ Sow the seed . . . and I will give the in crease." Will you share in this seed sowing ministry? A copy of the A.M.F. Monthly will be mailed to you free if you write today to: Arcbiw A. MocKInney, Director America« Messianic Fellowship 7448 N. Daman Ave., Chicago 45, III.
P T L A n n u i t y I n v e s t m e n t P T L I n v e s t m e n t T r u s t
7
OCTOBER, 1 9 6 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs