Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1843-05-12


truth Of all he uttered
William saw that Gertrude was deeply af-
fected by the discourse of the prophecy, and
especially BY the coincidence of the day, he
therefore prudently forbore further remarks.
1t was not long before the family of Ger
trudc discerned that something was preying
upon her mind and, loving her as they did,
it was not strange that they should have IN
quired for and found ont the cause.
Meantime, William entered upon his jour-
ney, taking leave of Gertrude in the aflcc-
Tomato assurance that lie would return at
least one week before the time appointed for
their nuptials, and claim the fulilmen, Of her
promise. The preaching of n imrod Hughes
and his emphatic prophecy we're not without
effect, even beyond the household of Ger
trude's parents, and especially in the interior
counties Of the State, not then, rs now, ac-
cessible by railroads and canals. This prcph-
ct Of destruction had jeen for more than a
year lifting up his voice in the rich valleys
Of our commonwealth, and making the noun
tains echo with his terrifying denuncations (,
and such had been the effect of his labors, his
preaching and his explanation Of scriptural
prophecies and types, and his own fore,cl-
ling, that thousands took up the idea and
became convinced that all signs now indica-
ted the consummalion of earthly affairs, and
the utter sweeping away of the human race.
To such an extent had the doctrine gained
credence, that we are told in many townships
the farmers in the autumn refused to sow
their fields with wheat, and they and their
families seemed TO be looking =" for that great
and terrible day." In some places the con-
viclon of the people led them to Il reforma-
ton of life; in others it appeared only to
produce studied Indifference to the things
of this world, without any preparation for
tina, which is to come.
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 effects which had
been wrought in some Of the interior coun-
ties, SO that when he came TO utter his moni-
tons, people we're prepared to him. The
address, therefore, to which we have alluded,
created much talk throughout the city. and
produced serious effects in many families
where lear of evil seemed to be easily cx-
cited.
Gertrude continued to manifest her ap.
prehrnsion ofsomo impending evil, although
she refused TO confess that her fears had
f reference To the prophecy of Nmrod Hughes
She prepared, however, for her nnptials, by
purchasing and making up her drcsscs-loI
) when did woman ever neglect such prepare.
lion-bnt she evidently had little pleasure
, in the occupaion-somc evil seemed to stand
, between that moment and her nuptial hour
and to cast its shadow on what should have
, been lighted with the clear sunshine of youth.
, brightest hope. ! have heard those who
, were with her at these times. say that a CLOUD
appeared always to rest upon her high pol.
ishcd forehead, and every smile was checked
as if reasonable TO some hidden woe.
f Meantime the day Of Gertrude's marriage
| was pproaching-lime flies apacc and vii
, continue to fly though its end be full in sight
and the people of Philadelphia though oc.
cupicd with trade and professional calling
though marrying and given in marriage, still
remembered the prophecy; few Of them, in.
deed, suffered il To iatericrr with their plans
, but all seemed to look for the 18th of June a'
some appointed day; as at the approach o.
and eclipse, no one pretermil his occupation
while every one from time to time casts III!
, eyes upwards as if to see whether the phc.
nomena is vet visible. Merchants talked o
the prophecy at the Coffee honse-it wa.
discussed by the aborer in the midst Of hi.
, toil-but the women made 1t a theme of con.
timed discourse, wondering some Of then
$ whether the day would begin in darkness, OF
whether the calamity would be sudden, il
the twinking of an eye. Bn, those who be.
, lieved most firmly in the prophecy, seemed
, less concerned about the details than they
, were about their own situation when Tho
/, change should come upon them.
In the mean time the Journey on which
! William had entered was completed, and he
, hastened to the house of Gertrude to salute
, his affianced bride. He was shocked at the
/ change which had come over her-there wa,
not an absence Of alfection-still less any ap.
parent inclination to be released from the
. engagement into which she had entered, bu
g she manifested solemnlty of feeling wher
0 conversing Of the approaching wedding tina
seemed more appropriate TO some agonizinG
n scene still she was the same kind. thought
G full, aiiectonate girl that William had woet
n and won, and his heart was as much KIN
q with hers as when in the lorciness Of Ma,
g morning she had consented to be his bride
q by the brightness of countcnance that seem
@ cd to shame the sunshine of the hour.
All the preparations for The wedding wer'
n completed, and Gertrude had talked ant
Y talked over the affair fifty times with he
i. brdesmaids-bu never once without shud
der of fearful apprehension, that was easll.
Il imputed to the prevalent terrors of the times
a but which all supposed would pass away witt
r. the non-fulilment of the prophecy on tn
fourth of the nexl month.
. On Friday, the 4lh day of June, 1912, tn
sun rose bright upon the people of Philadel
- phia, II was lovely morning, warm in
!, . deed, but without cloud. Men and wome
, we're abroad that day looking earnestly as
j half suspicious that tho prophecy might b
fulflled-many indeed joking about the era
!, ny prophet, and foolish believers, but feelin
occasionally gratifed to hear some better In
4, formed person attempt TO prove that III
I" prophecy could not be fulfilled. In som
parts of the town industry ceased, and poo
> pie paused to await the result Of the day
" L. a.