RECOMMENDATIONS.
From the Rochester Observer.
"Fowler on the Evils of using Tobacco.—'A disquisition on the evils of using tobacco, and the necessity of an immediate and entire reform,' by Rev. Orin Fowler, of Fall River, Mass. This is a very valuable and instructive discourse. We have for two years or more been fully convinced that the use of tobacco, in its three common forms, ought immediately to be abandoned; but never were we so fully sensible of the alarming extent and tremendous ravages of this evil, as when we had read this production. We think no christian, who is willing to know and do his duty, can read this pamphlet, without saying on the spot, if he uses tobacco, (except it be judiciously prescribed by a physician.) the use of this poisonous, deleterious weed is a grievous sin, and I will abandon it immediately and forever.
Mr. F. lays down the position that it is the duty of every man and woman to abstain immediately, entirely and forever, from all use of tobacco, whether by chewing, smoking or snuffing, except it be as a medicine.
In favor of this point he offers the following arguments, which we think he has fully sustained, by well attested facts, quotations from approved authors, and the deductions of sound reasoning.
1. The history of this loathsome weed. It has ever since its discovery been considered exceedingly injurious, and its general use opposed by judicious men.
2. Its ruinous effect upon the health and constitution of men.
3. Its ruinous effects upon the intellect.
4. Its ruinous effects upon public and private morals.
5. The amazing waste of property which its use involves.
6. The mortality which its use occasions.
7. The apologies made by the lovers of tobacco.
8. The eternal ruin which tobacco occasions.
We intend in our next to give extracts from this discourse. We hope it will have a wide circulation, and would commend it to the careful perusal of all christians, especially to ministers, who use this vile and ruinous plant."
Edward C. Delevan, Secretary of the New York State Temperance Society, says, in a letter just received—"The subject of your Essay is one of immense importance to the world and to the temperance cause. The use of this vile weed has been the medium of forming the appetite for strong drink, and ultimately destroying thousands of the most promising youth of our country. You will hardly ever meet with an intemperate person without finding him addicted to the use of tobacco. The public only want light on this important subject, to act. Your able and convincing Disquisition will be the means of doing much good. I hope funds will be provided to furnish a copy to each clergyman in the United States. Send me one thousand copies of the second edition, as soon as it is from the press."
"Fowler on the Evils of using Tobacco.—We are anxious to see this work extensively circulated, for we are confident that it will do good. The pamphlet contains much valuable information, and will be found well worth an attentive and frequent perusal."
The Unionist, Brooklyn, Conn.
"Fowler on the Evils of using Tobacco.—The subject of which this pamphlet treats is one which, we are persuaded, has received too small a share of attention from those who are laboring to free our land, utterly and forever, from the thraldom of intemperance. From our own observation, limited as it has been, we are persuaded that the victims of intemperance in the use of this poisonous weed are by no means inconsiderable in number. Probably Mr. Fowler is correct when
he estimates the mortality occasioned by the use of tobacco in its various forms, at five thousand annually. For ourself we are convinced that the suppression of intemperance in spirituous liquors will never be effected while the agents and advocates of our Temperance Societies, lecture with a pinch of snuff in their fingers and a huge tobacco quid in their mouths. Tobacco slays its thousands, and doubtless one tenth of the drunkards in our land have become so by first indulging in the use of the dirty plant, and thus creating an unnatural thirst that called for liquid fire to quench it.
Did our limits permit, we should be glad to give copious extracts from Mr. Fowler's discourse."
Batharia Palladium.
Lisbon, Feb. 3d, 1841.
Mr Fowler—
Dear Sir—We have in this county a monthly ministers' meeting.
At the last the use of tobacco was discussed. I was appointed to write on the subject, and derived important aid from your Disquisition on tobacco. I feel that it is a very happy effort, and calculated to do much good, and that it is desirable that it should have a much wider circulation.
The thought occurred to me whether it might not be published by the Tract Society.
This would give it the widest circulation it could have.
I doubt not but you are desirous of having the greatest amount of good accomplished by this effort, and will be ready to extend its circulation if possible.
Should it become a Tract, be so good as to inform me—for I should be glad to place it in every family in my parish.
Fraternally yours,
JOSEPH AYER, Jr.
Notice by Dr. Alcott, Editor of the Library of Health.
"A disquisition on the evils of using Tobacco. By Orin Fowler, A. M. Second Edition. This pamphlet finds favor, * * * *. While we have the kindliest feelings towards those who chew this disgusting substance, we hold its use, in every form, in the most unqualified contempt. We care not to whom the remark may apply, whether he be farmer, mechanic, lawyer, doctor, minister, judge or president; but if in the light which Mr. Fowler has shed on the subject, any man should continue to smoke or chew tobacco, or take snuff, public opinion ought to frown him out of the pale of all civilized society. He that will contribute in any way to a tax upon this nation of $25,000,000 a year for such stuff, may well be set down as a bad citizen, unless he does it in ignorance."