Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1848-12-28

have often heard persons speak Of their
first game at cards-how they were led from
that to second and a third, and SO on, from
game TO game, till the vice Of gambling became
a confirmed habit, and almost an essential pas
sion of their existence.
Truly, there is fascination and charm in
gaming which none but devotees of the cards
may nobly appreciate, and which but few, with
tongue or pen, can adequately portray.
Experienced as am, and have been, in all
the ramlfcations of gambling, it may be rightly
inferred that | am able to speak advsedly con-
corning its soul destroying influence on man
kind. Yes,I have seen the father and son-nay,
whole families-swept to ruin and horror by the
the demon vice, in whose deadly grasp they had
unhapplly fallen men of fine talents and virtues,
even moral and upright individuals in all other
respects-profcssors also am sorry to affirm, of
the religion of Jesus, have gone down to infa-
my and destruction through the entcements and
destinations of the card table,
Methinks could whisper into the ear Of
those who play cards solely for amusements sake,
tales of woe and terror that would make the blood
run cold and the heart beat in widest pulsation,
from their mere recital. How much worse
would the scene have been, and the heart strings
torn, by the witnessing of many painful scene
IN the career of the lnveerate gambler!
care not whether man plays for pleasure
or Tor profit, from the very first game he is apt
to become enveloped in the folds Of master
hydra; and when SO ensnared, in vain will be
the looping off of any Of its hideous heads, that
serve to snare thehapless victim. No the vice
should and must be crushed in its inception or
there can be no salvation from death and dam
nation hereafter Fearful thought Would to
God that all might realize the truth of the evil
effects arising from card.playing, in whatever
aspect presented, as a source of pastime merely,
or when pursued for emolument Fathers, good
worthy citizens, would be spared disgrace and
crime, and widows and children might be spared
from poverty and woe and the scofings of
heartess world
knew happy and worthy family, whose
subsequent misery and sorrow arose from the
social card-table, as a source of entertainment
and amusement for themselves and friends This
family consisted Of, beside the parental twain,
three sons and daughter, all of whom gave
promise of life of usefulness and honor-the
insiduous vice of gaming crept into the beloved
family circle, and brought sorrow and desoaton
in its wake.
The daughter had reached her thirteenth
year and gave Developments Of beauteous wo-
manly maturity anon, when she was seized with
consumption, which painful disease soon left its
whitening power on her fragile frame Though
rapidly sinking into the grave, she for some time
retained her seat at the card-table; at length,
however, her malady increasing she retired from
the fascinating amusement, and sought prepare
ton for death and Immortality She now re.
quested that cards might no longer be the past
time of the evening beneath their roof, and her
father loving her tenderly, readily complied with
her request, and the card.table was accordingly
set aside. 1t was now that parent realized tho
fascination of tho game, and found that pas.
sion for gaming had insensby become rooted
principle of his breast.
He sought the gaming tables abroad, and
spent his evenings in the fashionable gambling
houses of the place. He continued as usual to
play for pastime, but becoming a -bibber,
one night, while merry in his cup, he was in
duced to hazard money in game of FARO! He
lost his money not only on this occasion but on
almost every other evening aiterwOrd Still he
persisted in his recklessness, and played deeper
In ruin, till on one Friday evening" he came in
to room where several individuals and myself
were seated at game of cards. He offered to
stake five dollars on game, and being permit.
ted, his money was won from him. He then
bet ten dollars, which he also lost. Becoming
excited, he continued to bet, and as matter of
course, where all were sharpers, he was we'll
supplied with liquor, and cheated not only
ofwhat funds he had, but forced to give check
for money thus won from him. He became
drunken, and remained with the gamblers du-
ring the night The following day the check
was cashed, and portion of the money used in
keeping him intoxicated, so that he was kept
away from his family several days Great ex-
cltement prevailed on account of his absence in
the community, while his friends and family suf
fered painful anxiety in regard to his fate
was seated at table playing with him on a
Sunday evening, the third day since he entered
the gamblers den, when his family physician
entered and inquired of the unfortunate inebri
ated man, if he knew where he was, and if he
would not return to his stricken daughter ant
distressed family
eyes, yes, Doctor he'll be there presently, e
and say that will soon be with them. The phys
clan left, but the poor man continued the gam
and speedily forgot his promise. About half al
hour passed in this way when female rushe'
into the room, and threw her arms around tn
neck of the gamblers victim--it was his wife.
''Great God Ny husband! what are you do
ing herel"
Beloved, my wife what seek you, and VIII
come to this placer" said the man, bending hi
head and reeking with shame and modification
"Oh, my dear husband, come instantly, GU
poor child is dying! Her only prayer for tw
days has been for your welfare. Come, dea
husband, now Our daughter may not live til
our return"
The wife, husband and physician immediate
ly left the place.