THE PACK OF CARDS.

Evening Star, Volume VIII, Issue 2094, 21 January 1870, Page 2

THE PACK OF CARDS.

A nobleman in London, who kept a great number of servants, reposed considerable confidence in one of them, which excited a jealousy in the others, who, in order to prejudice their master against him, accused him of being a notorious gamester. Jack was called up and closely interrogated, but he denied the fact, at the same time declaring ho never played a card in his life. To he more fully convinced, the gentleman ordered him to be searched, • when, behold, a pack of cards was found in his pocket. Highly insensed at Jack’s want of veracity, the nobleman demanded, in a rage, bow he dared to persist in an untruth. “ My lord, ” replied Jack, “I certainly do not know the meaning of a card ; the bundle in my pocket is my almanac.” Your almanac, ; then I desire you to prove it. “Well, sir, I will begin There are four suits in the pack ; that intimates the four quarters in the year. As their are thirteen cards in each suit, so there are thirteen weeks in a quarter. There are also the same number of lunations. The twelve signs of the Zodiac, through which the sun steers its diurnal course in. one year. There are fifty-two cards in a pack, that directly answers for the number of weeks in a year. Examine them more minutely and you will find three hundred and sixty-five spots, as many as there are days in the year. These multiply by twenty-four aud sixty and you will find the exact number of hours and minutes in a year. Thus, sir, I hope I have convinced you it is my Almanac, and by your lordship’s permission. I will prove it my prayer-book also.” I look upon the four suits as representing the four prevailing religions—Christianity, Judaism, Mahomedanism, and Paganism. The twelve court cards remind mo of the twelve Patriarchs, from whom sprung the twelve tribes of Israel, the twelve apostles, and the twelve articles of Christian' faith. The King reminds m 6 of the allegiance due to his Majesty. The Queen of the same to her Majesty. The ‘‘Ten" brings to my recollection the ten cities in the plains of Sodom and Gomorrah, destroyed by fire and brimstone from Heaven, the ten plagues of Egypt, the ten commandments, and the ten tribes out off for their vice. Tho “Nine” reminds me of the nine muses, and the nine orders among men. Tho “ Eight reminds mo of tho eight beatitudes, the eight persona saved in Noah’s Ark, and the eight persons mentioned in Scripture to bo released from death to life. The “ Seven" reminds me of the seven administering spirits that stand before tho Throne of God, the seven seals wherewith tho book of life is sealed, the seven liberal art* and sciences given by God for the instruction of man, and the seven wonders {of tho world. The “Six”

reminds me of the six petitions contained i» the Lord’s Prayer, The “Five” remind* me of the five senses given by God to man, hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, and smelling. The “Four” puts me in mind of the four Evangelists and the four seasons of the yeat, The “Three” reminds me of the Trinity, the three hours oui Saviour M as on the Cross, and the three days he lay interred. The “Two” reminds me of the two testaments, the tM’o contrary principles struggling in main virtue and vice. The “ Ace” reminds me of the only true God to adore, worship, and serve ; one truth to practice, and one good master to serve and obey.” “So far is very well,” said tho nobleman, “but I believe you have omitted one card, the Knave.” “True, my lord ; the Knave reminds me of your lordship’s informers.” Tho nobleman became mors pleased with Jack than before, freely forgave him, raised his wages, and discharged his informers.