The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-02-28
A GREAT SOCIAL EVIL.
THE HABIT OF PLAYING CARDS At
HOME FOR PRIZES OF vALUE.
The Article on the Subject In tho Times OF
Sunday Endorsed From the Pulpit.
News From tho City Churches.

Ter OF spring combine the bodily exnildra-
ton Of one and the balmy loneliness OF
the other.
The churches, without exception. had
large congregations, and few were over
crowded. Some notable sermons were
preached in this city.
Rev. j. Y. Downmann, In his morn
Ing sermon at All Saints, re-
ferred in commendatory terms OF
'he article by Felix in Sundays
Times condemning social gambling. The
minister Endorsed fully the sentiments
expressed in opposition to that social evil
in elegant drawing rooms ornate with
art, replete with luxury. and heavy with
perfumed warmth. where the fairest of
Gods creatures, In robes Of shimmerlng
beauty, are playing cards for cut-glass
and silver with a punch bowl near by
to quiet ones nerves, you know
Mr.. bowman expressed a hope that
all would read the article. and spoke
earnestly of the good II might do, and
especially SO II published when social
pleasures are at their height, and the
Influences OF the Lenten season were
forgotten. Indeed he announced his in
tention Of requesting its reproduction at
such a time.
His references were pointed, earnest
and striking, but free OF sensationalism.
They di owe home with sledge hammer
blows the truths so gentle, yet so glaring-
ly unveiled TO the light. social custom
which means a multitude of evils fo,k
Ing in its wake too terrible in their
ravages for recital"
The sermon made an impression no
less deep than the discussion of play
Ing for prizes" in The Times, upon which
his remarks were based. The article in
question and the powerful Endorsement
OF II. was the most frequent subject OF
conversation at the clubs, cafes and on
the streets yesterday. All were ready
to agree that the law, moral and statute
embraces no notifications or ameliora-
lions, reserves no rights In the special
cases Of women OF elegance and culture"
Nor that We have ANY right 10 assume
that ii points moral only for a scene
In second-stOry Governor-street den,
where men with coats Oft, hats on the
back of their heads, and chairs tilted,
play cards In fog of smoke, with green
backs and specie in full view, and whisky
and glasses on the table near by to pull
a fellow straight. you know "
The Baptists.
The Baptist Pastors Conference met
on Monday morning In the light and com
modious rooms recently rendered by
Messrs. H. NJ. Starke & Estes, in the rear
Of their store. II was reported that Rev.
J. B. Hutson preached temperance SER
mon Sunday night at the request of the
Womans Christian Temperance Union.
A large crowd was present.
DR.. J. NJ. Pitcher, secretary OF the Sun
day School and Bible Board, preached at
the First church Sunday morning in the
interest of this work.
DR.. Cooper delivered a very interesting
address before his church Wednesday
night on missionary operations In the
Hawaiian Islands.
Rev. W. l.. Wright. OF the Leigh-street
church, on Sunday reviewed the work OF
his church during 1892. one hundred mem
bers were received during the yearIhere
were 5000 raised for benevolent pur-
noses in excess OF the amount for the
previous year.
Rev. H. F. Williams, OF Fourth-street.
preached on church building Sunday
morning, and took up collection Tor the
building fund Of that church, and $lO.Sl
were raised.
The meeting at the Grace-street Baptist
church is deeply interesting. the CROWDS
are simply overwhelming, and Dr. Whar-
ton is preaching with wonderful effect
He has an eloquence so persuasive, pa
thetic and stirring that he moves all VINO
come under his power. There have been
many conversions, and the interest ueep-
ems with every sermon. Dr. wharton IL
supported by fine choir, ana at almost
every service there are choice SOLOS by
Messrs Haddon Watkins and ID. NJ. Le1t
witch. DR.. Wharton is also delghtiul
singer The meetings will last all the
week.
MetbodIsts.
The services at Trinity Methodist church
int
ing service the pastor. DR.. T. a. Peterson
preached a special sermon TO the chill
dren n large number of whom were pres
ant The discourse was appropriate, able
and exceedingly tender and highly en-
loved by all. At night the pastor dis
coursed upon the subject, processing
Christians Cannot with Safety or Pro-
prietv Patronize the Theatre. Ihere was
nothing sensational about the sermon,
but IL was an able, argumentative. earnest
discourse in support OF the proposition
contained In the subject. and was much
appre ciated. In the afternoon society
OF the Epworth League was organized
The choir singing at Trinity Is very ihe'
Miss Grace Henning IS the leading So
nrano. c. Gray Bossieux, basso, and
Miss Oglevie, alto.
Rev. w. j. Young. pastor of Park
Place church, preached TO large
CONGREGATIONS at both morning and even
ing services. His subject in the morning
THE Application Of Gospel Irnth' TAKEN
from John. 18th chapter 18th verse, III
We know these things, happy are we IL we
do them" At night large congreg@u) IN
assembled to hear his sermon to young
men about "Old Age"
One of the principal features or the
evening service recently introduced by
IL. 10 In
service. which commences at 7:45 o'clock
and lasts fifteen minutes. This service
is both Interesting and profitable TO all
who attend as IL Is becoming quite popu-
lar In the West End.
Rev Mr.. Young fas been pastor OF this
church only about three months, but dur
ing this short time he has made many
warm friends.
He is a mcst earnest and faithful
preacher, and tender and loving pastor
His plain and powerful sermons and
his loyalty TO the commands and doctrines
of the Gospel have made his work thus
far among his people most enjoye bic and
profitable.
At the evening service one candidate
was received into the church on profess
sion of faith.
Rev. Preston Nash, rector OF Christ
Episcopal church. had a confirmation
class OF fourteen members on Sunday
morning. Bishop White officiated during
the confirmation service. while the rector
preached the sermon.
In the evening confirmation services
were held at Monumental church by the
Bishop, and Rev. John E. Newton preach
ed an eloquent sermon.
Rev Pike Powers, Of st. Andrews
church. read the service and preached