Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1843-12-29

autumn refused 70, SOW theirs fields with
wheat, and they and their families seemed
: TO be looking ''for the great aud terrible
: day." In some places the conviction of the
people led them to a reformation Of life /:
IN others i appeared only TO produce a
studied indifference TO tie. things of
this world, without any preparation for that
which is to come. ... .. ,s...i
Before the time to which we have alluded.
when Nimrod stood in Centre Square. the
people of Philadelphia had heard of his
prophecy, and also Of the effect which had
been wroughtin some ofthe interior counties
so that when he came TO utter his munitions
people we're prepared to hear him. The
address, therefore, to which we have allu-
ded, created much talk throughout the city
and produced serious effects in many fam
HES where fear of evil seemed 10 be easily
excited.
Gertrude continued to manifest her appre-
hension of some impending evil, although
she refused TO confess that her fears had
reference to the prophecy of Nimrod Hug
hes. She prepared however for her nn-
tials, by purchasing and making up her
dresses-for when did woman ever NEGLECT
such pteparaiion-but she evidently had
little pleasure IN the occupation evil
seemed TO stand between that moment and
her nuPtia hour, and to cast its shadow OF,
what should have been lighted with the
clear sunshine Of youths brightest hope
have heard those who were with her at
these times, say that a cloud appeared al
ways TO rest upon her polished forehead,
and every smile was checked af if treason
able to some hidden woe.
Meantime the day of Gertrude's marriage
was aPproaching-time flies apace and will
continue to fly, though its end be full in
slght-and the people Of Philadelpbia, though
occupied with trade and professional cali
ing. though marrying and given in marriage,
still remembered the prophecy few ofthem,
indeed, suffered it to interfere with their
plans, but all seemed to look for the 4.h of
June as some appointed day; as al the APP
proach OF an eclipse, no one pretermits his
occupation, while every one from time 10
time casts his eye upward as if TO see wbeth-
er the phenomenon is yet visible Mer-
chants talked Of the prophecy at the Coffee
House--lt was discussed by the laborer in
the midst of his toils-but the women made
it theme of continued discourse. wonder.
ing some Of them whether the day would
begin in darkness, or whether the calamity
would be sudden, in the twinkling of an
eye. But those who believed most firmly
IN the prophecy seemed less concerned a.
bout the details than they were about their
own situation when the change should come
upon them. ae e.. eras
In the meantime the journey on which
William had entered was complete, and he
fastened to the house Of Gertrude 10 salute
his affianced bride. He was shocked at
the change which had come over her
there was not an absence OF affection-still
less any apparent inlicnation TO be released
from the engagement Into which she had en-
tered, but she manifested solemnity Of
feeling when conversing OF the approaching
wedding that seemed more appropriate TO
some agonizing scene; still she was the
same kind, thoughtful, affeciionate girl that
William had wooed and won, aud MS heart
was as much knit with hers as when in a
May morning she had consented TO be his
bride by the brightness of countenance
that seem'd 10 shame the sunshine ofthe hour.
All the preparations for the wedding
were completed, and Gertrude had talked
and talked over the affair fifty times with
her brdesmaids-but never once without a
shudder Of fearful apprehension, that was
imputed TO the prevalent terror of the times,
but which all supposed would pass away
with the non-fulilment OF the prophecy on
the fourth of the next month.
On Friday, the 4th day Of June, 1912, the
sun rose bright upon the people Of Phila-
dephia. 1t was lovely morning, warm in
deed, but without cloud. Men and wo-
men we're abroad that day looking earnestly
as lfhalf suspicious that the prophecy might
be fulfilled, many indeed joking about the
crazy prophet, and foolish believers, but
feeling occasionally grati6ed to hear some
better informed person attempt to prove
that the prophecy could not be fulfilled
In some paris Of the town industry ceased,
and people paused to await the result of
the day--unwilllng to be found in the midst
Of active employ vet ashamed if
the event did not take place to be detected
in any act of special devotion. a' "a ir,r,.t
In a few churches there was continued
worship, and in many houses the voice of
prayer was heard continually rising. i.n 9,
The family of Gertrude were willing to
pay respectable Difference 10 the fears of
one part of 3hcir neighbors, and the conf
dence of the other part. They would, at
any rate, have postponed the wedding, but
for the "bad sign" which such act presents.
They therefore proceeded timidly, but con-
stantly, in the Preparations which are never
entirely completed until the event takes
place The hour of noon had passed.
The white satin dress of the bride, (raiher
an extrayagant article in the family was
laid out, The little wreath entwined with
orange flowers was above it. Around were
the appliances Of the bridal hour, and near