THE SIN OF SMOKING.

Globe, Volume IV, Issue 411, 6 October 1875, Page 3

THE SIN OF SMOKING.

{From the Brooklyn Union.) A story-telling clergyman of this city relates the following anecdote of one of our distinguished Brooklyn Baptist clergymen, which the late Apostle Trask would enjoy : —A few weeks ago the doctor was examining candidates for admission to the Church, and among them was a delicate sweet-faced boy of some sixteen years of age, whose eyes, as he rose to speak, were bathed in tears. And are you striving to love, serve, and follow the Lord Jesus ?' asked the minister. ' Yes sir, but my sins are great,' meekly returned the young applicant. ' But Jesus can forgive them all. He can wash you clean,' said the doctor encouragingly. * There is one sin, said the boy, ' that I have struggled hard

against. I am free from, it now, but I am afraid that God will never forgive me,' and the little fellow sobbed aloud. ' What is it, my boy ? Let us know what it is. God will forgive anything, if you are truly penitent and lead a better life. No matter how grievous this sin may be, He will forgive you. Now, what is it ?' "'S —s —mo —o— Icing, ' sobbed the boy. Now, as the doctor is an inveterate smoker, say rather burner of cigars, said the gentleman relating the story, he was considerably taken aback, especially as he noticed several of the congregation laughing. But, putting on a grave look, he said to the sobbing applicant, ' Yes, yes, smoking is bad for boys, but God will forgive you, I trust.'