No, the truth is that gambling is to most of us an element of our life, and, like all the other elements, should be used thankfully and wisely, and not in excess. By all means follow Michael’s advice and
… well observe
The rule of—Not too much: by temperance taught,
In what thou eat’st and drink’st;
and, indeed, in all actions of life. But remember that the rule of “Not too much” can never be exercised by a mere refusal to look the facts of life in the face and run the risks of temptation.
I have preached that doctrine to many in Manchester, but I am bound to say, without making many converts. I remember an amusing jest played upon me at the Llandudno Golf Club. I had been laying down the true rule about gambling, and no doubt preaching about it in a somewhat Pharisaical tone, when a member of the committee asked me if I would play a certain ex-mayor of a Midland borough who was
making matches of a very gambling and extravagant character with several of the younger visitors.
“He will take it from you, Judge. You tell him firmly you are going to have a ball on and nothing more; you can give him your views on gambling, and don’t let him start off on the first tee with a sovereign a hole, or anything of that sort.”
“Certainly not,” I said, “I’ll keep him within bounds.”
“You just talk to him like you’ve been talking to us,” said my friend. “It will do him good. I’ll tell him you will play him at 10.30 to-morrow.”