Tobacco makes that part of the mind which is called the “will” so weak that thousands who use it have no strength to resist the temptation to drink when it comes to them. Besides, the mind is so weakened that they can not stop using tobacco even when they know it is hurtful to them, but they say-- “For thy sake, tobacco, I Would do anything but die.” And many even die because they have no strength to let it alone. Boys think it makes them manly to smoke and chew. Manly, indeed! I wish I could speak to every boy in every land to whom tobacco comes, and tell them that if they wish to grow up clean, noble, unselfish, manly men, they will _never_ taste tobacco. It does more to harm boys than men. One doctor has said, “Boys and young men who use tobacco lose one-fifth of the enjoyment and value, and at least one-tenth of the length of their lives.” PERCY: But cigarettes are not very bad, are they, mother? I know many of the boys in school smoke them. MOTHER: Bad! Indeed, they are very bad! They are made of the stumps of old cigars picked up in the streets, and from other vile, filthy things. Even the paper they are wrapped in, which seems so harmless, is steeped in deadly drugs, which makes them still worse. They are made and sold by millions, and thousands of boys are being ruined in mind and body because of using them. I often read in the papers of the death of some boy, caused by smoking cigarettes. I have no words to tell you the mischief they do; and yet thousands of people think them harmless. AMY: I wish Uncle John wouldn’t kiss me, for he uses tobacco. HELEN: You are like the little girl it tells about in the verses I learned. I will repeat them for you:— “‘What ails papa, mother?’ said a sweet little girl, Her bright laugh revealing her teeth white as pearl; ‘I love him and kiss him and sit on his knee, But the kisses don’t smell good when he kisses me. But, mama’--her eyes opened wide as she spoke-- ‘Do _you_ like his nasty kisses of ’bacco and smoke? They might do for boys, but for ladies and girls I don’t think them nice,’ and she tossed her bright curls. ‘Don’t somebody’s papas have moufs nice and clean, With kisses like yours, mama--that’s what I mean? I _want_ to kiss papa, I love him so well, But kisses don’t taste good that have such a smell. It’s nasty to drink, and smoke ’bacco, and chew; The kisses ain’t good and ain’t sweet, ma, like you.’ And her blossom-like face wore a look of disgust, As she gave out her verdict, so earnest and just. ‘Yes, yes, little darling, your wisdom has seen That kisses for daughters and wives should be clean; For kisses lose something of nectar and bliss From mouths that are stained and unfit for a kiss.’”