1834-03-20-The Man-Tragical Event
Tragical Event!
- Source: The Man, v1 n25, 20 March 1834, pg. 1.
- From: Newport Republican
Tragical Event!
The following tragical story of a Mormon preacher is given by the editor of the Independent Messenger, on the authority of a gentleman from the western part of the State of New York. We shall expect to see it authenticated by the Western papers, if it be true.—Newp. Republican
In a town where the delusion had made numerous converts, the disciples were summoned to assemble in a wild place, circumjacent to a pond, on the water of which a gifted elder announced that he should walk and preach. The believers notified their doubting friends, and great things were anticipated. But it seems there were a few wicked Lamanites, who secretly set themselves to make mischief. Choosing their opportunity, just before the appointed day of miracles, they ascertained, by means of a raft, that the pond to be traversed was extremely shallow—a think sheet of water covering a common swamp mire. This mire was found to be of a consistency nearly strong enough, except within a small central space, to sustain the weight of a man. They soon discovered a line of plank laid in a particular direction completely across the pond, sunk about four inches under the surface of the water. These were so fastened down, and locked together, and so daubed with mud, as to be quite imperceptible from the neighboring declivities. They resolved on preventing the miracle by sawing the concealed bridge in pieces, just where it passed the deepest and most dangerous part of the pond. This was done, and every thing left seemingly as they found it.
The expected day arrived, the congregation placed themselves as in an amphitheatre on the surrounding slopes, and the preacher appeared at the edge of the water. Presently he raised his stentorian voice, and as he paced his invisible bridge with a step apparently unearthly, taught and warned the people. All ears were open, and every eye strained from its socket with astonishment. But alas! just as the miracle-worker seemed to have wrought conviction of his divine power in the wondering hearts of the multitude, lo! he stepped upon one of the detached pieces of plank, sallied sidewise, and instantly plunged, floundering and sinking in the deep watery mire. The mingling shrieks, screams and shouts of the spectators, all in a rush of commotion, were appalling. The scene was indescribable. Even those who had spoiled the miracle, were filled with horror, when they actually saw the unfortunate impostor finally disappear. They had not dreamed that their trick would cost him more than the fright, discomfort and disgrace of being submersed and afterwards struggling ashore; all along taking for granted that his plank would enable him to swim, however it might treacherously fail him to walk. But the tale closes with the close of his life, and consequent close of Mormonism in that vicinity. He sunk, and long before the confounded assembly were in a condition to afford him relief, perished a victim to his impious presumption.
