Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1882-02-28
A Clergyman's Dream.
ONE THAT IMPRESSED him SHORTLY
BEFORE HIS VIOLENT DEATH.

ONE THAT IMPRESSED HIM SHORTLY
BEFORE HIS VIOLENT DEATH.
There are some very remarkable things
In connection with the death of the
Rev. G. c. Showers, local preacher of
Bloomington, Indiana, who was eud.
denly crushed beneath the cars at Green.
castle on the 18th ult. He came up on
the noon train of that day from his
home, en- route for indianapolis, and
thence to different points in OHIO, in
,he interest of the furniture factory of
his three SONS. He came to Greencastle,
and, having three hours to wait, called
ON some old friends, appearing in better
health than usual. He was q hale, ac.
tive, robust man, of 65 years. On re.
turning to the depot to take the train
east he had to cross the track just at the
double depot. He thought his train was
coming beyond the platform, and was
walking with his hand to bis face as q
shield from the snow storm. It proved
the down train for New Albany, and,
owing to the escaping steam from near
engine, be did not hear the train, aud
stepped on the track immediately In
front of the slowing engine. He saw
his danger aud turned suddenly with
his back 10 the train, but in his bewild.
erment had not time to leap before the
iron guard struck him.. He was carried
38 feet. caught under the wheels and
crushed to DEATH. He lived q few min-
utes but never spoke. But here is the
remarkable part of the terrible affair
On Saturday night, at his home, he had
u strange and impressive dream, which
awOke him. He told his wife, at an ear.
y morn went to one of his sons and
r~lated it to him. He also told 1t in
brother w. P. BrOwning's class at the
church of which he was member. He
dreamed that he suddenly died, and q
guide escorted him among high noun.
tains until they came to q deep ravine
and large cave. into which great thropg
of wretched people were entering. AS
each one entering and was ordered to
advance he fell on his knees and begged
for money, but deep and solemn voice
would say it ia ''too late," ''too late,"
"tOo late" repeating it thrice to each.-
His guide told him this was the entrance
to he'll. and they who entered were
worldly church members, and that the
frult was largely owing to the preach
ers, who preached more to please than
to save souls. The guide told him that
was not his doom, and that he would
soon take him to his heavenly home
ne was 80 Impressed Win IDI6 Str8O&0
bright vision that he spent all the Sab
bath reconsecrating himself to God. On
Monday he was to start on his trip, and
did so. One of his sons was to 20 that
same day to Louisville on important and
urgent business, to be absent q day or
two. The father entreated him not to
leave, saying, William, don't 60 to-.
day" why not, father?" said the
son He said: do net leave home un-
til you hear from me-" At this the son
promised to remain, and did 30. About
5 O'Clock that evening, he received the
dispatch telling of his fathers DEATH
This Is truly strange, and by many
| would have been regarded as supersti.
ton before the accident, but surely not
afterward. The morning he left home
| hetold his wife he knew not where or
how soon he should fall, but for her to
be- assured that he was ready. On the
train he spent most of the time reading
beautiful Bible, which he carried in
bis valise. and talked long with an old
friend, reading and expounding the
third chapter of First John, to prove
that one could live holy life without
sin. His favOrite theme was sanctifica.
ton, and had been for seven years. He
preached it, talked it, and professed the
experience wherever he went. Many
thought he made his "hobby" too prom.
iDent. but surely 1t was q splendid hob
by for such death.-iN. Louis Christidx
Advocate.