A Sanctifying Meditation while smoking a pipe.

Many times our daily activities can be times of mediation on how they relate to spiritual matters. Few would think that would be possible in activities such as smoking a pipe. Although some admired Christians (like our dear C.S. Lewis here) and hobbits have smoked pipes (I haven't, it looks too complicated), today it obviously is an activity that has fallen in the taboo category and it is true if it is done in excess is hazardous to your health. Still, I found this poem funny, but also strangely thought provoking and edifying. This poem has been making the rounds on some blogs, which was written by a Scottish Presbyterian in the 1700s, reflecting on the spiritual similitudes between smoking a pipe and the state of humanity. Enjoy.



HT: Christians in Context / Heidelblog


PART I

This Indian weed now wither'd quite,
'Tho' green at noon, cut down at night,
Shows thy decay;
All flesh is hay.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

The pipe so lily-like and weak,
Does thus thy mortal state bespeak.
Thou art ev'n such,
Gone with a touch.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And when the smoke ascends on high,
Then thou behold'st the vanity
Of worldly stuff,
Gone with a puff.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And when the pipe grows foul within,
Think on thy soul defil'd with sin;
For then the fire,
It does require.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

And seest the ashes cast away;
Then to thyself thou mayest say
That to the dust
Return thou must.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

PART II.

Was this small plant for thee cut down?
So was the plant of great renown;
Which mercy sends
For nobler ends.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

Doth juice medicinal proceed
From such a naughty foreign weed?
Then what's the pow'r
Of Jesse's flow'r?
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.

The promise, like the pipe, inlays,
And by the mouth of faith conveys
What virtue flows
From Sharon's rose.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
In vain th' unlighted pipe you blow;

Your pains in inward means are so,
'Till heav'nly fire
Thy heart inspire.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.
The smoke, like burning incense tow'rs

So should a praying heart of yours,
With ardent cries,
Surmount the skies.
Thus think, and smoke tobacco.