In 1979, the US public health service called smoking "the largest single preventable cause of illness and premature death in the United States." Tobacco is the only legal product in the US that, when used correctly, kills one out of every four of those who use it. Tobacco is responsible for the death of over 450,000 Americans per year—more than all who die from AIDS, illicit drugs, fires, car crashes, and homicides combined.
Tobacco leads to a variety of painful and terminal illnesses. The greatest number of smoking-related deaths are from heart attack, stroke, and cancer. Two of the more frightening diseases associated with smoking are emphysema and Buerger's disease.
Even if tobacco doesn't kill you outright, some of the non-lethal effects are just as bad. It weakens the bones and is a risk factor for back pain; it causes impotence and premature menopause; it accelerates hair graying, skin wrinkling, loss of vision, and decreased physical capacity. Cancer treatment can be painful and disfiguring; a heart attack or stroke can leave you disabled.
You have a great deal to gain by kicking the habit: longer life, more energy, fewer medical expenses—and the air is fresher, breathing is easier, food is more flavorful and money goes farther. You smell better, and so do the flowers.
Get some advice on quitting:
Updated January 2009. This article is adapted from "Modern Lifestyle Changes: Tobacco," Radiant Living (Wildwood, Georgia: Family Heritage Books, 2001): 18.
Read several authors' thoughts on papal Rome's history.
This article highlights quotes from historical and Catholic sources proving the Papacy's aggressive nature.
Persecution in the First Centuries
An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Waldenses
John Wycliffe Huss and Jerome
Luther's Separation From Rome
Luther Before the Diet The Swiss Reformer
Progress of Reform in Germany
Protest of the Princes The French Reformation
The Netherlands and Scandinavia
Later English Reformers
The Bible and the French Revolution
The Pilgrim Fathers Heralds of the Morning
An American Reformer Light Through Darkness
A Great Religious Awakening A Warning Rejected
Prophecies Fulfilled What is the Sanctuary?
In the Holy of Holies God's Law Immutable
A Work of Reform Modern Revivals
Facing Life's Record The Origin of Evil
Enmity Between Man and Satan
Agency of Evil Spirits Snares of Satan
The First Great Deception
Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
Liberty of Conscience Threatened
The Impending Conflict
The Scriptures a Safeguard The Final Warning
The Time of Trouble God's People Delivered
Desolation of the Earth The Controversy Ended
Is Revelation a Sealed Book?
Revelation 1 Commentary
Revelation 1: Jesus, The Heart of Revelation
Revelation 2 Commentary
Revelation 2-3: Letters to Seven Churches
Revelation 3 Commentary
The Lamb and the Sealed Book
Revelation 4 Commentary
Revelation 5 Commentary
Revelation 6 Commentary
Revelation 7 Commentary
Revelation 8 Commentary
Revelation 9 Commentary
Revelation 10 Commentary
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