The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1903-08-12
Don't Gamble Away Life.

Going down the street the other day,
says a writer in the Chicago Interior. walk.
ing toward the lake so that the fronts OF
the buildings between Us and the waters
edge stood clearly defined against the
cloudless sky. we could not help noticing
how the facades OF all were hung with al
nose innumerable fire escapes. Like great
webs for gigantic spiders they reached
from story to story, and silhouttcd against
the azure background they formed very
conspicuous feature of the scene.
1t was evident from their numbers that
their presence was not accidental. With.
out knowing fully the legislation govern.
ing their construction, it seemed certain
that the state had made their erection
compulsory. Past experience had taught
the citizens that many 'hreproof' struc-
ture goes up in smoke, and that under GER.
tain conditions even stone and mortar melt
with fervcnt heat Those who saw the
greater part OF Chicago dissolve into
cloud thirty years ago have not the con.
fidcnce in builders assurances that they
once had. Even when entering the most
substantial structure they have the habit
OF looking round Tor means of exit. Taught
by what he has endured, a Chicago pio.
neer would not care to spend more than
one night on the summit of Mount Blame
unless it were provided with lire es.
cape.
WHY should men he less careful of their
spiritual ihan OF their physical safety
why should man who would not rent
an Office or accept a sleeping chamber
without first looking up the fire escape,
enter upon habits of lie and stoms of so.
cety without moments thought of the
risks involved; Are there not spiritual
death traps. well known to the wise,
where nevertheless the young and the
thoughtless blithely resort for the careless
enjoyment of perllous pleasures? 1t re-
qulres no special genius to enter upon the
prodigals career; but how is one to be de-
hvered IRON its consequences? When the
purse Is empty. Is there an easy way back
to attiuence: When the eve sparkles and
the pulses quicken under the gentle stimu.
lus OF champagne, would it not be the part
OF wisdom to ask where is the way to
safety ii the soul should suddenly become
conscious of approaching peril? Suppose
the pace begins. to tell? Suppose the man
awakes to find his account overdrawn, his
health impaired, and his name under an
eclipse! Is there a fire escape leading
quickly and easily from this clubhouse
ilte TO his oldtim freedom and safety?
Have his new habits given him stronger
VIII, clearer conscience and a more init.
mate touch with the redcmptive elements
OF society: Before making ones home here
would it not be the part OF wisdom to know
whether there l. from such a career an
easy retreat, or whether the soul waking
TO an hour of mcnacing peril wakcns only
70 hhn ltseit more engaged while strug.
Cling to be free?"
The special peril of our day is gambling.
tnscrupnlous dealers tempt little children
and foolish boys with mutitudnous de.
vices; through which they can be intro.
duced to the fascnations of chance gains.
But where is the fire escape? When the
flames are all about you, and the danger il
imminent, and it is question OF flight or
death; Is II easy to unlealn all these dia.
bo!cal habits? 1t is a simple matter TO es-
cape the tascnatons which attach them.
selves to all forms of hazard and of chance?
me wise man knows that it is easier to
keen out than to get out
Hinged about with flames. the unhappv
victim of sins fire traps plunges for few
tragic moments hither and thither. ali in
vain; and then, as we have so lately seen
IA the fashionable life of an eastern ctv.
IN, sheer despair leaps upon death and per.
llsheS with all the mperfections on his
mead. Do not foolishly take the
chances when they are too evidently ali
against you. 20 not make any mode of
lie even your, temporary home if from il
you fail to find a plain and easy path that
leads to a peaceful and secure life, lie
MD with Christ in God"