Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-04-14
The French Nobleman.

The French NObleman.
4 few years ago, Frouch uobleman came
10 this country laboring under an extmor-
dinarv depression Of spirits which he could
not get rid OF. lie came TO consult gu cmi-
nent physician, who devoted himself cspc-
cially to the treatment Of diseases OF the
mind.
The Count was man Of wealth, as well
a. Of rank surrounded by everything that
could make life enjoyable. Beloved in his
family and esteemed by his friends, his cup
seemed to run over But was he happy
No; for, strange as it may seem, deep
gloom hung over his spirits which neither
the charms Of happy family circle. nor the
important duties of public life, could dispel.
Ills friends became much alarmed Oh his
account, and by their advice he consulted
various medical men. They recommended
him change OF air and scene, baths, music,
company He tried all, but in vain. His
melancholy increased rather than diminished,
and serious fears were entertained that his
reason would give way, and that be would
have 10 exchange his home for lunatic
asylum.
Just at this juncture, an intimate friend
advised him 10 go t0 England and consult
the above mentioned physician. To this he
willingly assented, and before many days
had passed, he was seated with the doctor in
his stndy. Having put the usual questions
to him, the doctor after most patient and
careful examination. said " There is moth
ing wrong with you, sir. can find nothing
in the state Of your system To account Tor
the melancholy OF which you complain
That is strange" said the patient "Ihis
{ 4
Do, doctor, help me, If you can
Perhaps an inoFdinate ambition may
have something to do with it."
"No; have 40 desire for great things
| am in the position Just suited 10 my tastes
and wishes"
Some family trouble or bereavement z"
No, doctor; peace and love reign in my
family, and my circle Is unbroken."
Haze you any enemies 2"
Not that aIn aware Of.
What subject most frequently occupies
/ your thoughts 2"
You are approaching a matter which |
/ hardly ike to speak OF, doctor | am a
/ skeptic, and the ceremonies Of religion are
I in my view AS repngnant to common sense
rs It's mysteries are to reason. J do not be-
{ lieye in revelation and yet, must confess,
one Of its dogmas haunts me like a spectre.
Z | try to persuade myself that it is the re
/ suit of q disordered state Of the brain but
I yet my mind is continually occupied with it,"
VIII YOU tell me what 1t Is
A vision of the last judgment is con-
/ stautly present to my mind. The end of all
| things seems to have come, and the great
/ white throne is set up There is one seated
on the throne whose look OF stern justice and
/ majesty terriiies me- hear him call me m a
/ voice Ike thunder Try to escape iroln his
/ penetrating glance, but heaven and tafth
/ have disappeared and am left alone. Doc
tor, can you understand what that means,
/ a'onc--alone IN the presence OF perfect purity
--alone under the scrutlnlzlng eye OF one
! who reads me through and through Every
/ moment expect to hear the awful words
Depart IRON me, ye cursed, INTO everlasting
! fire, prepared Tor the devil and his angels
What makes you fear such sentence 2
Well, in the eyes of men my life Is
deemed irreproachable, and not without rea.
son. have less to accuse myself OF than
most Of my acquaintances but IN the pres
enee OF such dazzling glory-sneh spotless
punty-ny very best actions appear black
and lildeous. Ihat eye searches out the
thoughts and intents OF my heart SO that
not a single act OF my lie Is pure IN ms
sight, ieel gmlly and condemned ana
long To ma some spot where can hide IRON
his presence
T" Is that what causes The melancholy oi
which ,ran complain
'hse 50. ihiA Nrrible vision IS al
A.'fof fAoa'alfe me. 1 cannot get rid OF 1t
Ms liehsses think 1t is only imagination
isssge 'eifcct Of depressed state OF the nervou,
system, and that when ! get strong It viii
pass away. But then again the thought
forces itself upon me-What if, after all, i
should be divine truth-a scene IN whlcl
must in reality some day appear My
mind gets bewildered with these conflicting
thoughts, and look and long in vain for de
liverance. This is humbling confession
for man of my views, doctor.
." have by me an old book, which con
tains a remedy for your disease" said TIN
} doctor, with confidence, as he turned 10 hi
bookcase and took down book, which bor'
the marks of frequent use. lie turned owe
few pages, and then handing the book {,
: his patient, he requested him to read alou,
the lines to which he pointed.
( lie read as follows -
+ "'Who hath believed our report and L
: whom is the arm of the Lord revealed ?"
, Doctor" The unbelief which the pro
7 phet complained of two thousand six hun
7 dred years ago, exists in our own day, VIII
among the millions in our so-called Christian
r countries believes this report 2"
4 90 For he shall giow up before him as
/, tender plant, and as root out of DIR
4 ground he hath no form nor comeliness AM
S when we shall see him, there is no beaut
= that we should desire him."
a "Of whom do these verses speak ?"
r "Of the Lord Jesus Christ. Gods only be