Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1853-10-30
An Impressive Incident.

We do not remember to have met with more
impressive incident than one recorded in the LIE
of DIR. JudsOn Just published. He had imbibed
infde sentiments during his college course, chief
" thro association with confirmed Deist by the III
name Of E.. After taking his degree, he made
a journey into the State Of New-York spending
some time in the city, where he became attached &
to a theatrical company not intending to 90 upoa
the stage, but, having the design Of writing dra-
matics works, he wished to gather knowledge w
on such matters which he might turn to some ae-
count. Weextract what follows from the biovra-
gby.
After seeing what he wished Of New-YOrk, he
returned to Sheffield for his horse, intending to
pursue his journey westward. His uncle Rev
Ephraim JudsOn, was absent, and very Dious
young man occupied his place His conversation
was characterized by godly sincerity, solemn
but gentle earnestness, which addressed to
to the heart, and JudsOn went away deeply in
pressed. The next night he stopped at a country
inn. The landlord mentioned as he lighted aim
to his room, that he had been obliged 10 place
him next door to young man who was exceed
ingly III, probably in dying state; but he hoped
that il would occasion him no uneasiness. JUDI
son assured him that, beyond pity for the poor
sick man, he should have feeling whatever,
and that now, having heard of the circumstance,
his pity would not Of course be increased By the
nearness of the object. But twas, nevertheless
a very restless night. Sounds came from the
sick chamber-sometimes the movements of the
watchers, sometimes the groans of the sufferer:
but it was not these which disturbed him. He
thought of what the landlord bad saiG-the straDg-
er was probably in 4 dying state; and was he pre-
Pared Alone, and in the dead of night he felt
blush of shame steal over him at the question.
for it proved the shallowness Of his philosophy
What would bis late companions say to his weak
nessl The clear minded, Intellectual, witty
F., what would he say to such consumate
boyishness! But still his thoughts would revert
to the sick man. Was he a'Christ;an. calm and
strong in the hopes of glorious Immortality or
was he shuddering the brink of dark, un-
known futurel Perhaps he was "free- thinker"
educated by Christian parents, and prayed over
by Christian mother.
The landlord had described him as young man;
and in imagination he was forced to place himself
on the dying bed, though he stroye with all his
might against it. At last morning came, and ths
bright flood of light which it poured into his cham
Der disPelled all his "superstitious Illusions" As
soon as be had risen, he went in search of the Il.
landlord, and inquired for his feIlow-lOdge-. sHe
is dead, was the reply. "Dead!" ''Yes, be is
gone poor fellow. The doctor said he would not
probably survive the night" "Do you know who
he was 20, yes; it was young from
Providence College, very 6ne fellow, his name
was E.. After hours had passed, ne knew
not how, he attempted to pursue his journey
But one single thought occupied his mind, and the
words dead! lost! lost! were continually ringing
in his ears. He knew the religion of the Bible
to be true he felt its truth: and he in despair
In this state Of mind he resolved to abandon bis
scheme of travelling, and at once turned his
horses head towards Plymouth.