"Shut the Traps that Catch Us."
A FEW years ago, while riding in a manufacturing district, returning home one Sabbath evening from ministerial duties, a minister was accosted by a man who, though intoxicated, seemed resolved to enter into conversation. He admitted that his conduct was wrong, and said he was constantly forming resolutions of amendment. He was a drunkard, and a drunkard because he was a Sabbath-breaker. "Many a time," said he, "I leave my house in the morning to go to a place of worship; but then the public houses are open. I get past one or two, and then at the door of the third stands, perhaps, an old acquaintance. He invites me in, and it is all over with me. I spend the money I should keep my family with, and have to work hard all the week, and to struggle at the same time with headache and hunger." I shall never forget his concluding words; they were spoken with the energy of great feeling. The poor fellow had talked himself sober. "Sir," said he, "if the great folks want to keep us poor folks sober, they should shut up the traps that catch us."—Sel.