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mortified, Couchman and his friends withdrew from the auditorium. They were unwilling to leave the place altogether, however, as the exhorters were loud and busy. The church had a second story, which could be reached from the outside by a ladder. One of the men proposed that they go up to the loft, and this they did without disturbing the excited throng below. The planks were loosely laid on the floor, and it was easy to see and hear. Several were shouting, and the old woman who had tackled Couchman was particularly active. The preacher stood at the foot of his pulpit and exhorted all to flee the wrath to come. He was ready to die himself; he was prepared to meet his Maker when the world came to an end. Signs showed that the judgment day was not far off. “ Praise the Lord, I am glad of it,” ’he shouted. “I wish it was here now. I wish Gabriel would blow his horn this minute. Gabriel, we’re a waiting! ”This suggestion was more than Couchman could stand. He had his hunting horn with him, and, putting it to his lips, blew two or three loud and sonorous blasts. The mournful noise seemed to the excited preacher and mourners a direct response from above, and a panic followed Mr. Couchman always maintained that the preacher walked or ran out of the church over the heads of the congregation. It did not take long to empty the meeting house, and the woods were filled with fugitives. Some got home and others hid until the next day, expecting every minute to see a rain of fire and brimstone.The story soon got out and it caused intense indignation. Couchman was indicted by the grand jury for disturbing public worship. He left the county. It was years before he dared return and still longer before he was forgiven.
Newspaper Details
Railroad Telegrapher
St Louis, Missouri, US
Thu, Jun 01, 1905
Page 778
Full Page
Clipped by
Anonymous
MD, USA 17 Apr 2017
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