Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1876-10-07
Cured OF Swearing,

The Rochester Union says They
tell a curious story up in the Alleghanies
somewhat amazing also-of a dull
fellow named Morgan, miner, who was
greatly addicted to swearing. He would
have made an excellent addition to the
celebrated army of Flanders or have
been fit companion for the proverbial
sailor. Everything was done by priest
and laymen to cure him, but without
avail. He had other vices besides,
among which we're card playing and drink
ing. On one occasion he was in room
in the tavern with his companions, en-
gagged in a game of "old sledge," and
the stakes were considerable. The room
was underground, next to the brewery
and very dark, and gamblers were
obliged to use candles. The game be-
came very exciting, and Morgan con-
stantly lost. At every misfortune he
rallied and swore until even his hardened
companions were shocked. At length
he was entirely cleaned out" and the
torrent of blasphemy that flowed from
his lips was frightful to listen so. Fall
ing on his knees he defied Heaven in
language that caused his listeners to
shudier. Finally, having become ex-
hausted he rolled over into corner and
fell into drunken sleep. After about
an hour he woke. Everything was in
pitchy darkness, but he still heard his
friends wrangling over their cards as
they continued their game. Morgan
called to them and asked how they could
play in the dark and why they had put
the candles out. They answered in a
tone of astonishment: "Dark why
it's no darker here than it was before
you fell asleep. The candles are still
lighted; can't you see them ?" Morgan
sprung to his feet and shrieked: "No,
1 can't see anything. My God, 1 am
struck blindI" They gathered about
him in great excitement, making various
tests to Judge whether he had really lost
his sight, and this appeared to be the
case. The wretched blasphemer fell on
his knees and implored them to send fol
a clergyman, which they presently con-
sented to do. While waiting his arrival
Morgan lay on the floor sobbing and
groaning in the most pitiful manner.
When the preacher came he made him a
long discourse on his impiety, but he
declared he would not offer prayer for
the restoration of Morgan's sight unless
| he would promise never to use an oath
again. This the miner, who was nearly
delirous with terror, eagerly agreed to,
and the minister, pressing his fingers
upon the others eyelids, affected to go
through secret prayer He removed
his fingers and Morgan saw as we'll as
before-the lighted candles, his friends,
and everything. His gratitude may be
imagined. 1t is hardly necessary to say
that the whole business was clever de-
ception arranged by his two friends dur
ing his sleep. They simply withdre W
the candles, darkening the room, and
then waking him with their loud dis
putting as they pretended to continue
their game OF cards. The Clergyman,
who was sensible man, when applied
to, readily entered into the confederacy,
believing that the goodness of the end
in view, which was to break Morgan's
terrible habit of blasphemy, fully justi-
fled the means. And that end was per.
fectly accomplished, for Morgan neve,
swore again up to the hour of his death,
which was by the inclined railway used
in the mines to raise the coal. If you
go to Frostbury and mingle much with
the people you will find their stock Of
stories very small, and you will hear this
one beyond doubt.