The Quakers are not so superstitious as to imagine that there can be any
evil in cards, considered abstractedly as cards, or in some of the other
amusements, that have been mentioned. The red or the black images on
their surfaces can neither pollute the fingers, nor the minds, of those
who handle them. They may be moved about, and dealt in various ways, and
no objectionable consequences may follow. They nay be used, and this
innocently, to construct the similitudes of things. They may be
arranged, so as to exhibit devices, which may be productive of harmless
mirth. The evil, connected with them, will depend solely upon the manner
of their use. If they are used for a trial of skill, and for this
purpose only, they will be less dangerous, than where they are used for
a similar trial, with a monied stake. In the former case, however, they
may be made to ruffle the temper, for, in the very midst of victory, the
combatant may experience defeat. In the latter case, the loss of
victory will be accompanied by a pecuniary loss, and two causes, instead
of one, of the excitement of the passions, will operate at once upon the
mind.

It seldom happens, and it is much to be lamented, either that children,
or that more mature persons, are satisfied with amusements of this kind,
so as to use them simply as trials of skill. A monied stake is usually
proposed, as the object to be obtained. This general attachment of a
monied victory to cards is productive frequently of evil. It generates
often improper feelings. It gives birth to uneasiness and impatience,
while the contest is in doubt, and not unfrequently to anger and
resentment, when it is over.

But the passions, which are thus excited among youth, are excited also,
but worked up to greater mischief, where grown up persons follow these