Randolph County journal. [volume] (Winchester, Randolph County, Ind.) 1855-1862, 1860-11-15
Singular Vision.

IL lS COuctdutif utbths oiuViS Othtt
objections to the credibility of super
natural apparitions. that the names OF
the witnesses have singularly and sus-
piciously disappeared--that you find
them. upon investigation, substantial
ted thus: A very worthy gentleman
told another very worthy gentleman.
who iold very intelligent
lady, who told somebody else, who told
the individual who finally communicate
Ell the incident to the world. There
are. however. as just intimatel. in
stances in which such ambiguity l.
altogether wanting. Among these Is
one so well authenticated by well
known witnesses of undoubtea versc-
ity, that having never before been pub
lished, ! venture to relate it here.
Ny informant was Professor Tho
luck. OF Halle University, the most
eminent living theologian in Germany
and the principal ecclesiarch Of the
Prussian church. He preiaced the ac-
count by assuring me that it was re-
ceived from the lips of De Wette him
self. Immediately after the occurrence
that De Wctte was an intimate per
sonal friend, plain, practical man. o.
of remarkably clear and vigorous in
tellect. with no more poetry and im-
agination in his nature than is just
sufficient to keep him alive-in a word
that he would rely upon his GOODNESS
of judgment and accuracy of observa-
tion. under any possible combination
of circumstances, as confde' My as up
on those of any man in the world.
DIR. De Wettc the famous German
Biblical critic, returning home one
evening between and 10 o'clock,
was surprised. upon arriving at the
house in which he resided, to see a
bright light burning in bis study. In
fact, he was rather more than surprised;
for he distinctly remembered to have
extinguished the candles when he went
out, an hour or two previously. locked
the door. and put the key in his pock
ct which, upon.feeling for it, was still
ere.-Pausing moment to ascertain
by what means and for what purpose
any one could have entered the room
he perceived the shadow Of a person
apparently occupied about something
IN remote corner. SupposinS 1t to be
burglar employed in riaing his trunk
he was on the point of alarming the po'
lice, when the man advanced to the
window; into full view. as if for the
purpose of looking out into the street.
1t was De Witte himselfi--the scholar
author. professor-his hight size,
figure, stoop--his head, his face, his
features, eyes. mouth. nose, chin. every
one-skull cap, study gown, neck tie,
all. everything there was no mistak-
ing in him--no deception whatever,
there stood DIR. De Wette in his
own library, and he out on the street
why. he must be somebody elsel The
doctor instinctively grasped his body
with his hands. and tried himself
with the psychological tests of sell
consciousness and identity. doubtful il
he could believe his senses, and black
was not white. that he longer existed
his former self, and stood perplexed,
bewildered and confcunded, gazing at
his other likeness, looking ont of the
window Upon the persons retiring
from the window, which occurred in q
few moments, De Wette resolved moi
to dispute the possession OF his study
with the othor doctsr before morning
and ringing at the door of house Op
posite. where an acquaintance resideC
he asked permission to remain Owe
night.
The chamber occupied by him com
manded full view OF the interior o
his library. and from the window h
could see his other self engaged il
study and meditation. now walk NJ
snc down the room. immersed il
thought. now sitting down at the desl
To write, now rising 10 search for
volume among the bpok shelves. aas
initiating in all respects the peculia
habits of the great doctor. engaged a
work anil busy with cogitations. y
length. when the cathedral clock ha'
finished striking through first four an
then eleven strokes. as German clock
are wont to DO an hour before twelv
De Wette, number two manifesto
signs of retiring to rest-took ont hi
watch, the Identical large gold on
the other doctor in the other chambe
felt sure was Il that moment safe i
{: his waistcoat pocket, and wound it u
removed portion OF his clothing
came TO the window, closed the cul
tains, and In few moments the ligh
b disappeared. De Wette, number one
waiting little till convinced ths
number two had disposed himself I
; sleep. retired also his-self to be,
o wondering very much wha. all thi
could mean.
: Rising the next morning. he crosse