"That species of religion, as you are pleased to call it, does claim a divine origin, and, perhaps, if you examine its claims, you will find them attested by the spirit of the New Testament. Permit me to ask you one question, and I am willing that your answer shall decide the question at issue between us—Do you believe that if Jesus Christ or any of his apostles were now present, they would consent to pass away the hours of this evening in such an exercise as playing a game of cards?"
"Perhaps not, but they were extraordinary persons, and their virtue kept them from many sources of amusement from which we, who are more frail, may very innocently draw a portion of our pleasure."
"Then you admit that it is our frailty that leads us to such amusements, and that if we possessed more exalted virtue we should avoid them?"
"You reason excellently well, Madam, against the amusement; but such is the frailty of our nature, that I fear the passion cannot be subdued with such a weapon."
"Perhaps not, Sir."
"Pray, Madam, what amusements would you sanction?"
"Those which would afford me pleasure on reflection, and in which I could be engaged in my last moments."
"The apparent delight with which evangelical professors anticipate their last moments, is a tacit acknowledgment that the present are dull and insipid."
"We anticipate our last moments, Sir, with awe, mingled with delight, and though you may imagine that our present moments are dull and insipid, yet, I assure you, you are mistaken. We have our sources of happiness, but card-playing is not included in the number."
"I cannot but think that evangelical religion has an antisocial tendency, and would, if generally prevalent, deprive us of all our innocent recreations."