Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1893-12-18
a Terrible Warning.

Hc lCliIplC CAI SIIcHCc VI pOol JOuu
Simpkins has served as warning to
the blasphemers of Shamokin, Pa, and
now many of the wicked residents are
scarcely ever heard to utter an oath.
John Simpkins was one of the most
faithful employees engaged in the large
iron mills of Shamokin. But he was a
very profane man, and whenever any
thing occurred to anger him he would
give full vent to his temper i'll the most
fearful imprecations.
He became angered one day, several
months ago, at piece of work he was
doing and INDUCED in more sulphurous
profanity than usual.
He had scarcely ceased his blaSphe-
mics when strange sensation came
over him, and the next moment he
realized the awful fact that he was deaf
and dumb.
Although working steadily at his
trade since then, he was unable to utter
a syllable or hear sound until last
Wednesday evening, when he attended
religious revival in progress at a
Methodist church in Shamolin.
The minister had concluded short
sermon and given an invitation to reli-
gious seekers 10 assemble at the altar,
when John Simpkins, seeing others
press toward the front, Immediately left
his pew and bowed with the seekers
about the altar rail.
To the surprise of every one in the
81, !,
then unloosed, and he offered up a
most fervent prayer for mercy. Before
the services closed Simkins addressed
the meeting for about ten minutes,
telling of his wonderful experience, and
expressing his gratitude for the resto-
ration of his speech and hearing.
"No one can imagine the agonies OF
mind have endured during the past
few months said Simpkins to i.iend.
Il repented Of my great wickedness
again and again, but never expected 10
regain my speech or hearing"
Just after indulging in his last cut
burst of rr 3fani V nrkins says he saw
wonderful vision in the form OF an
angel of dazzling brightness. The mes
senger informed him that his conduct
had been such as to demand speedy
punishment, and when the angel dis
appeared he was unable 20 talk or hear.
Simpkins, afger his recovery, spent
most of Thursday calling from house to
house among his neighbors and ac-
quaintances. urging themto forsallc their
evil ways. Yesterday morning he sur
prised his wife by remarking:
Mary had another vision last night
and am confident that before noon |
shall lose my hearing and speech
again never to regain it in this world. "
"Oh, John, do not think that" said
his wife.
Il cannot help it, Mary. Another
bright messenger stood at my side as
lay in bed last night, and declared that
nv speech and hearing were only re-
stored to me for short time and then
would be taken from me for good. This
experience is all for a good purpose,
and | will not murmur, whatever may
be the result"
The husband and father continued TO
converse cheerfully with his family and
attended to little work about the
house until about ten o'clock, When ne
remarked that he must go and visit Il
friend whom he was trying to induce to
abandon his evil ways.
He was gone about an hour, aud re-
turning home, said to his wife: :,
MARY, Fred Shorter has renounced
his wicked ways and started in the bet
ter life. Isn't it encouraging"
The next instant his speech went
from him and he was unable TO hear
sound. Then his sight began to fail;
and now, in addition to being deaf and
dumb, he is almost entirely blind. His
strength is failing. and it is thought he
will not long survive.
The affair has created great excite
ment in the city and is the main topic
of discussion.