HUMBUGS by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 27, 1890

HUMBUGS.

By John Norton Loughborough

A FEW days ago I heard a man say he “thought many people loved to be humbugged.” I do not think so. There are persons who are anxious to get as large returns from a small investment of means as possible, or to secure a great amount of information with little or no study, or to recover health speedily without the process of climbing the declivity they have gone down. Such may “bite at the bait” of the charlatan or trickster who has some “wonderful remedy” that will “almost cure with the first bottle,” or who can impart to them in a fortnight, by some remarkable process, if they take their lessons, the information that otherwise might require months of study. Those who have had experience, and have thereby learned that naught of value in this world is honorably obtained without toil and effort, are not caught by the pleasing

bait of 'great gains with no pains.'

It is the inexperienced ones who are 'taken in,' not because they love to be humbugged, but because they are lured by the thought of getting so great returns with so little investment. They feel just as badly as other folks when they find they have been the dupes of some first-class humbug, and perhaps learn to keep a sharper lookout the next time. A good rule was given to me by a pious aunt of mine, when I was a boy. It has served me so well through life that I wish to pass it on for the benefit of others. She used to say, 'John, always remember, when people propose to give you some great thing for little or no investment on your part, to say to them, 'The people who gave away so much for nothing all died some time ago.''

One of the latest humbugs I have met was the case of a person proposing to give instructions in the rudiments of vocal music so full and complete that in twelve lessons, which he could give in six evenings, for $5.00 a scholar, anyone, even though they had known nothing of music before, could sing anything at sight, and take the lead in singing. Those who had made a study of music for years, of course, hung their heads and looked wise as rats. Those who had never been over the road thought it too rare a chance to let slip, and so 'at it they went.' Their teacher got on so well, however, that he concluded to cut this valuable course short one evening, and at the close announced the graduating song. His class were called upon to give the key, when, to those who were so proficient as to be leaders named almost any letter as the key but the right one, their teacher calling out, 'Guess again!'

The next morning he had a sudden call for another part of the country. His disgusted class would much prefer their money to what little information they received in the music-line, although they may be wiser in some other respects. The better plan is for all to keep a keen lookout for all such as profess to perform such wonderful feats. Don't expect to get rich without labor, or too much knowledge without corresponding study. Give those a wide berth who profess such great exploits, however high their profession.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.