Claiborne guardian. [volume] (Homer, La.) 1877-188?, 1880-08-04

grip on me tibet | can't shake loose,
an the boys thought mebbe I'd
better send fur We to kinder put in
word for me up above, SEEM as
how | amt acquainted up thar. an
don't feel like intrudin' by chippin'
inter strange game. I'll play ye
honest talk now, parsOn, an own
up tibet its layout kinder never
could see anything in, tharfore l
never cottoned to it; an l feel tibet
if I'll set in the game now I'd lose
my grip right on the fust deal, an
60 clear through without winnin'
a bet. II I'd q learned the religious
game when fust struck out on my
own hook, might stan some
chance now of Quittin' purity near
even; but wouldn't it look kinder
cheeky an unperfessiOnal to throw
Oft on game fur years, an then
call for a stack of checks an try
ter get inter it when l hev nothiu'
to show up in the playr
The minister had been for years
an humble laborer in this rough
portion of the Lords vineyard, and
was thoroughly familiar with all
the slang terms so universally iu
vogue in TIE mountains. ln a kind,
pi-asaHt voice he replied:
"No, Sam, am sure it would
not. This blessed book which i
hold in my hand teaches US that
truly reprntant sinners can be
saved even nj the eleventh hOur.
The dying thief upon the cross
found peace with God while the
icy hand Of death WAS fastened
upon him. He that believeth shall
be- saved.'n %.
That's consolin'. parson, an l
b'lieve yer gi,in' me the square tip,
an readin' the heavenly law cor
rect. | never thought I'd he barred
entirely Outen the game, but felt
kinder sneakin' about losin' on 9th.
er rackrts, an then beggin' fur u
IA stake to set in this game. Par
son, won't yer stan in an address
a little string o pious talk up thar,
an explain matters the best ye
KIM Jist tell the Almighty that
I'm a total stranger to Him, an
don't feel bit level akin fur a
favor at this stage o the purceed'
ms. You've stood in with Him fur
years, parsoD, an mebbe now et
ye'd jist say to Hin that ye'd take
it as "a personal favor, He mout
have matters fixed up SOS I'D stand
a little show when l slip my grip
an cut loose from the world.
don't believe He'd give We the
shake, parson, arter you've bin a
cappin' fur His game so long, do
your
1.-The Lord is ever ready and
willing to hear and answer prayer,
Sam, but before He gives His
blessings, He says we must ask fol
them. aud must ask in faith. be
lieving that He hears MS and will
answer us. My dear friend yOu
must pray yourself. Can you not
ask Him to administer to your spir
itual wants, aud open his arms tC
y receive your soul when il is loosen
ed from it's casket! Ask aud "a
shall receive, seek and ye shall
fnd.'"
A painful silence pervaded the
room for few moments, as San
lay in deep reflection. 1t was evi
dent that the words of the minis
ter had taken root in his heart, fol
bright tear-probably the frs
since his acknowledgements upOI
his cheek. Another and another
followed in quick succession, ant
soon subdued sobs could be heart
; bursting from the bosOms of thos'
who stood around the bed. The 81
lence was broken by "Shorty
: Lewis, q faro dealer, who said in ,
voice choked with emotion:
> "Sam, old pardner, b'lieve tn
: parsons a keepin' these case
: Greet, an givin' sou a show fu
!. every turn o the cards; you'd bet
. ter play 'em jist as he calls 'em, al
q III put mp big wealth on it the
=. veil come ont - the racket with
y hrhy wiuuin'. Jist turn to ar
rrarh ahead With yer chinnin' I
t he Almighty. an yen find it's n
2 rick ~ all To call the turn on tn
u last case
:. The tears continued to flow frOr
;, the d, ing gamblers eyes. and th
N convulsi,e heaviDgs OF his hreas
!. gave evidence of the terrible con
Il motion within. Then his emOtio