"It was then, and on that account, that I wrote in the Latin tongue my
great work on Biblical Hermeneutics. But in Germany it cannot be
published. The Austrian censor of the press cannot find time to read
it, though I think, that if I have spent so many laborious days and
sleepless nights in writing it, this man ought likewise to find time
enough not only to read it, but to examine all the grounds of my
reasoning, and point out to me any errors, if he can find any.
Notwithstanding, the Spirit gave me no repose, but urged me ever
mightily on to the perfection of my great work.
"One morning I sat writing, under peculiar influences of the Spirit,
upon the Confusion of Tongues, the Division of the People, and the
importance ofthe study of Comparative Philology, in reference to their
union in one church. So wrapped was I in the thought, that I came late
into my lecture-room; and after lecture returned to my chamber, where I
wrote till the clock struck twelve. At dinner, one of the Professors
asked if any one had seen the star, about which so much was said. The
Professor of Physics, said, that the student Johannes Schminke had come
to him in the greatest haste, and besought him to go out and see the
wonderful star; but, being incredulous about it, he made no haste, and,
when they came into the street, the star had disappeared. When I heard
the star spoken of, my soul was filled with rapture; and a voice within
me seemed to say, 'The great time is approaching; labor unweariedly in
thy work.' I sought out the student; and like Herod, inquired
diligently what time the star appeared. He informed me, that, just as
the clock was striking eight, in the morning, he went out of his house
to go to the college, and saw on the square a crowd looking at a bright
star. It was the veryhour, when I was writing alone in my chamber on
the importance of Comparative Philology in bringing about the union of
all nations. I felt, that my hour had come. Strangely moved, I walked
up and down my chamber. The evening twilight came on. I lighted my
lamp, and drew the green curtains before the windows, and sat down to
read. But hardly had I taken the book into my hand, when the Spirit
began to move me, and urge me then to make my last decision and
resolve. I made a secret vow, that I would undertake the voyage to
America. Suddenly my troubled thoughts were still. An unwonted rapture
filled my heart. I sat and read till the supper bell rang. They were
speaking at table of a red glaring meteor, which had just been seen in
the air, southeast from Klagenfurt; and had suddenly disappeared with a
dull, hollow sound. It was the very moment at which I had taken my
final resolution to leave my native land. Every great purpose and event
of my life, seemed heralded and attended by divine messengers; the
voices of thedead; the bright morning star, shining in the clear
sunshine; and the red meteor in the evening twilight.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Elsewhere in the archive
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account