Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1844-05-30
Tbs .Hree lDrfss.
MEssRs. EDITORS !

MESSRS. EDITORS
J have observed recently, in different ionr.
nails have perused, several notices reuaesting
inc citizens Of their several vicinities to assem-
oie :or the purpose of forming Anti-GambIing
Societies Tosay that ! read these notices win
feelings Of pleasure and appreciation, is TO saw
out niue, when ! am sure they must have mel
with The same reception OF feeling from every
good and pious citizen who has seen them -
-Sueh demonstrationsof condemnation can never
az y awaken 10 the breast Of every one III
oneo'x 81 exering himself IN suppRessng thai
Of lie course pursued by tnese societsegIh esrrys
ing out this most laudable and PraseworThy
object therefore cannot propose them for the
consideration Of our community But ! will
suggest, through the medium Of your inEal6a-
BILE paper, Of my presumption be aEAased,) for
the reflection Of our good citizens Of town and
country, mode that seems 10 me would have
the desired effect, and Danish from our county
and toicn al least, that bsnefal and pernieious
practice, and think there is but one mode
We hear our Minister'S OF the Gospel. Sabbat1I
after Sabbath, denounce, in the spirit Of rightet
Gus condemnation, and the eoqueueo of pious
persuasion, this infamous praelice-tbe pious
friends and relatives Of the Gentleman Gambler
may beg and besesch him, and their feryent
prayers and applications ascend 10 Heaven, to
change his propensity. Legal process may be-
issued to prevent and ahate such lnisauces as
those iniquitous sinks, Gambling houses but To-
our shame and disgrace, all this has no benef-
cial effect This, then, | conceiie to be the
only possible means Of eifectng thtt which all
respectable persons must most ardtntly desire,
and ID which it is the duty Of all D play their
part promptly and fearlessy, without affection
or favor. It's not 50 much TO brtak up those
iniqniious houses Of resort, as to strike az The
root of the evil, and to destroy the propensity
TO indulge. How, il may be asked, is his 10 be
accomplished | say easily Aicertainswho
are addicted 10 the vice; letfher rank be high or
loo, still il is tie duty, and should be the BUSH
ness, Of every christian, morsl, and upright cili-
zen, 10 shun them as something Fosibsome, dis.
gushing, and concentrating. Dsprve them OF
your social circiei exchange no fritadly saluta-
lions with themi deny them yourcountenance
10 every respect, and, as men Of business, give
them not your patronage, but encourage the
more verify. Stun them as y5u would the
spirits Of the deep.
This may seem harsh, but is il sP;,. How
much setter are they Who hasknoNsp Ian
that would game that would not sERsf5 - One
that would game and sweat, that aid not do
worse And be that would do The above, what
is be not debased and depraVed enough TO do p
Where is the mah Of any reflection, so reckless
and different as 10 trust himself % such men
If he be Lawyer, is rot your property too va
liable 10 entrustto his keeping OF management;
Ii a Merchant, can you confds 10 him II
Physician, is not your health ard life too pre-
cious TO be at his disPosali Or il matters not
what his calling, where is The man who is so in
uIIererit - s.sh his property senntatian,
his honor, bis life, - such i-nay be said by
some, in paililtion Of their crime =. we only play
for small amount enough to make the game
Interesting; therefore It is no hahn. Bul be
that plays at all, IN the course Of time willplay
10 excess, for who has ever known q card t1lai
will not testify The risk be ran from The fascina
ting influence upon him-and that be who plays
for penny to-day viii play for pound to-
morrow-fhat's II he can raiss L
We have sndeayored 10 show bow little th1
regard the Ministers Of the Gospel, the laws
courts Of our country. But yeaiure 10 asslII
| il this mode be adopted, even those who have
become SO callous as ID disregard the rsproaeh-
Is of conseieRce--ihseRsble 70 lhe prayers and
desires Of parents-to the solicitations and tears
OF wives. sisters, and daughters will be compel
Tied 10 ieid 10 the Just contempt and scorn OF
g.an enlightened and christian people. Public
opinion Is a most potent weapon, and even those
who would scorn other efforts. will End il has
She power TO crush 10 eartS when all else fall
few, very few if any. can batlle successfully -
gsinst IL Il is our boubden duty-due 70 our
/ friends. ourselves, our posteriiy, our country,
and our God
When We shall have done this, manT heart
win rejoice, many q tongue pronounce our
| praise-snd even then We shall have bsi, the
consolation of knowing that We have done no
thing but what We ought 70 have done.
AN OLD PATRON.
ChallestoWn, MAY 90, 1874