The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1843-04-04

his vanity got the better Of his nvarcc; and he would
give some great party ostcnatious FEAST in order to
excite the envy Of his neghbors, and get puffed IN
the newspapers, always making himself amends for
his prodigality by squeezing additional sums out OF
his unfortunate clients. l found him busily employ
ed in making his WILL and talking to himself by fits
and starts, from which gathered there was contest
going between the ruling passion and the feor Of
the future, which prompted him to make reparaton,
far possible, for his past transgrossions From
what could gather he had come to determination
to restore the principal OF all the money he had
screwed from his debtors by his usurlous pactce,but
could not bring himself to give back the interest on
these exactions which he said would utterly ruin
him. As the heat became intense, he seemed
gradually to relax bat the moment it subsidized lit
tic relapsed agnn This happened several times, I'M
Ill length he quoted his conscience by leaving his
whole estate for the purpose of erecting hospital for
the reception Of the families Of all those he had reduc
ed to bcggary by his frauds and inhumanity, at the
same time saying to himself, ~ shall 60 down to pos
terity as great public benelactor." AS / looked O.
yer his shoulder, however, observed that the be-
quest was conditional on the fulfnen of the proph-
ecy.
Leaving the house Of tas repertant sinner, | pro-
ceeded on my way without any definite object and
met q man in irons, who had taken advantage of the
confusion which reigned every where around, to
make his escape from prison IIo had committed
wanton and atrocous murder; and his execution
fixed for the next day lie seemed go cloted at his
escape that | could not forbear reminding him that
he only got out of the frying pan into the fire. He
brisk'y replied, co. but you forget the Disgrace Of
being hanged - On my reminding him that the dis
al. al, 10
wered, al differ from you entirely in this matter,''
and proceeded on, rafting his chain as if in triumph
bly, next encounter with person who had dis
tnguished lrAnselfin several controversies ques-
lions which, admitting Of no demonstrations either Of
facts arguments, afford the finest scope for inter-
nidabe discussion lie had written than
dissertation TO prove that the prophet knew nothing
bout W hat he had predicted, and gone nigh to
vince his readers that he in the predica-
ment ! was proceeding TO converse with him
the unexpected catastrophe rapidly approaching,
when he impatently interrupted me: ''Unexpccted
ndeed!" said he, 81 have been busy in proving it
10 be all hunbng, that am sorry to say that am
altogether unprepared. But that is not the worst
The most provoking part ofthe business is, that the
old boelhead should be light and wrong. My rep
utatoh is entirely ruined; and shall go down to pos
erity a teacher of false doctrines and bad reason
err "Dont be uneasy that score" replied,
posterity will know nothing of the matter" Upon
which no left me in great passion affirming that i
had reflected himself and his work which upon my
honor, not my Intention.
The philosopher had scarcely left me when there
approached me an old man OF rather venerable APP
pearance, who seemed exception TO the rest Of the
IL. AZ. -. ,..l-a. ii
ers with horror and dismay He was rubbing his
hands with great gee, and anon saying 81 told
them so; predicted all this years ago. but the block
heads woudn't believe me-" Anxious to know the
meaning Of all this, venturod to ask an explanations
"What!' said he. doR't you know am the prophet
who oreold the destruction of the world by fire. the
f'st OF April, 1913? The clergy preached against
me in their pulps; the philosophers laughed; and
the would be wise looted me rs fool, or an
impostor. utthey have got it dow-tbey have got
it now-ha! ha! ha!' and the worthy old prophet
went his way delighted tho fufllment Of his pre-
dctisn. ''Bless my son! had no idea it would be
80 ho!' At that momen, it seemed that he took fire
and In few moments consumed to ashes, ex-
claiming to the last, s'Weli, we'll it matters not,
shall 20 down posterity the last Of the proph
ets''
The last person rcculect meeting was the worthy
old gentleman who rallied against the world copi.
ously at the commencement Of This vision. He was
putting and blowing, and tanning himself with his ha,
at q prodgious rate. "Well, my fiend,' said I
coolly and quietly, "well, my frenJ, you quite
right in your opinions that the world was pretty much
worn out, and on its last legs. 1t is, in truth an old
supsranuated concern, not worth mending; and as
you truly stated head and ears in debt, tina,
the it winds up its affairs and calls its credi
tors together the better'' The old gentleman, how.
ever, did not seem to agree with me in this opinion
He hesated, wiped his brow, and at length replied
"Why, ay-yes-to be sure confess | though
30 yesterday, but he had idea it was going tc
happen so soon; and BESIDES really when me:
to consider the matter cooly,'' and then he pufet
and painted as if almost roasted to death; when one
say considers the matter coolly, this world, aite
all said and done, is not bad but honest mar
might have made up his mind to have lived little
tnnR nnJuh ba.,a 1oa, III