Kingsley's Letter to His Son on Gambling

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 2, 5 July 1892, Page 4

Kingsley's Letter to His Son on Gambling

• "My dearest Boy,— There is a matter which gave me much uneasiness when you mentioned it. You said you baa put into some lottery for the Derby, and had hedged to make safe. Now aU this is bad. Of all habits, it grows most on eager minds. Success and loss alike make it grow. •* Ist. It gains money by the lowest and most unjust means, for it takes money out ot your neighbor's pocket, without giving anything in return. "'2nd. It tempts you to use what you fancy your superior knowledge to your neighbour's harm. I hope you have not won. I should not be sorry for you to lose. If you have won, I should not congratulate you If you wish to please me, you will give back to its lawful owners tlie money you have won. Remember always that tbe stock argument is worthless. It is this :My friend would win from me if he could ; therefore I have an equal right to win from him. Nonsense. The same argument would prove that I have a right to maim or kill a man, if only I give him leave to maim and kill me, ii he can and will. 1 have spoken my mind once and for all on a matter on which I have held the same view for years, and trust in God that you will not forget my words in after lite. I have seen many a good fellow ruined by finding himself one day short of money, and trying to get a hctle by play or betting ; and then the Lord have mercy on their simple soul, for simple it will not remain long. Mind, 1 sis not the hast angry with you. Betting is the way of the world. So are all the seven deadly sins under certain rules and pretty names, but to tbe devil they lead if indulged in, in spite of the wise world and its ways. — Your Loving Pater."