The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1867-05-21

The following story which has APP
peared in several religious papers, we
fear is altogether too true to awaken
pleasant emotions in the minds of some
Of the parties concerned
"There was rattle one night ut a
fair held by the ladies of the church in
- for benevolent purpose. That
same night two blacklegs were arrested
for gambling in another part Of the city.
While in the lookup, they naturally set
to work to defend themselves as far as
possible; and here is their success:
Look here, Smith, sad one, say
it is too hard that we poor fellows are
Gagged up here. just for trying to make
an honest living with the cards atld dice.
I don't see, for my part, what right peo-
pie have to interfere with any mans
way of earning his bread; provided he
don't steal it from them; and then
should like to know what the difference
is between our throwing dice for money,
and those - gentry turning wheel
for it; and that's what they did do that
same night we were nabbed' Good,
good, said Smith; if you are sure they
did that thing we will turn the tables
upon them, and make them pay us well
or we will have them indicted for break
ing the laws All! is that so then
We will have them on the hip. That
Judge will never let bis handsome young
wife be brought up before the court for
law breaking; so let us crack the nut as
soon as We can. What's the first step?
Send for the states attorney.
Their plan was arranged; the attor-
ney came The men stated their full
determination as soon as they we're re-
leased from confinement, to file bill
against Mrs S., and her young friend,
and all those who aided and abetted in
the lottery; for such it was. The law
yer saw in moment what m adyan-
tage they had, but he tfied to persuade
them, lawyer like, that they could do
nothing; they had, however, been too
often in the clutches of the law not to
know some Of its workings; and they
maintained their determination. AS
soon as it was known, quiyer went
through the town; the opposing sects
rej0iced at the uncomfortable position
in which the ladies and gentlemen Of
the church wereplaced. The Judge was
in an agony Of annoyance, for he knew
the men, and how difieult it would be to
turn them from their revenge; but some
thing must be done, and it was done
None knew the bfibe which sealed their
lips. Few engaged in that fair viii
ever forget the fright they received. or
be tempted again TO engage in faiiie
or lottery"
This anecdote presents but one as
pect Of this subject. The progress Of
gambling, lotteries, gift enterprises, and
other similar swindles il alarming; and
the fact that while the law has prohibit
Ell them the church has countenanced
them, is most significant sign Of the
evil times upon which we have fallen
In church on out these things are evil
and only evil and that continually. All
that men gain ia money in these ways,
they must lose IN moral power; until
The church il degraded III the eyes Of
God and man, and the pure principles
II loving zeal and Christian fidelity arc
exchanged for p1pnlar elap-trap aud
sovetons craft
Wen does Dr. Huntington remark
Ipon this subject, Once lei the people
set poisoned with tic aretched false-
lood, that im order to carry on the work
# the church, aud meet IFS costs, they
must eoutfiye some roundabout desice
I safe - picnic, mixture Il mer-