Smoking Spiritualized

Smoking Spiritualized. II
Ralph Erskine (1685–1752)

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.        5

Doth juice medicinal proceed
From such a naughty foreign weed?
      Then what ’s the power
      Of Jesse’s flower?
    Thus think, and smoke tobacco.        10

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.        15

In vain the unlighted pipe you blow—
Your pains in outward means are so,
      Till heavenly fire
      Your heart inspire:
    Thus think, and smoke tobacco.        20

The smoke like burning incense towers;
So should a praying heart of yours
      With ardent cries
      Surmount the skies:
  Thus think, and smoke tobacco.        25

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There’s a part 1, which was attributed to Erskine for several centuries, but now is identified as likely by George Wither instead.

Smoking Spiritualized. I
George Wither (1588-1657)

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.