The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 2 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for IndependenceLossing, Benson John
History
The Pictorial Field-Book of the Revolution, Vol. 2 (of 2): or, Illustrations, by Pen And Pencil, of the History, Biography, Scenery, Relics, and Traditions of the War for Independence
Lossing, Benson John
United States -- History -- Revolution, 1775-1783
* Mr. Tennent has left on record the following graphic account of
his feelings while his body was in a state of catalepsy: "While I was
conversing with my brother on the state of my soul, and the fears I had
entertained for my future welfare, I found myself, in an instant, in
another state of existence, under the direction of a Superior Being,
who ordered me to follow him. I was accordingly wafted along, I know not
how, till I beheld at a distance an ineffable glory, the impression
of which on my mind it is impossible to communicate to mortal man. I
immediately reflected on my happy change, and thought, Well, blessed
be God! I am safe at last, notwithstanding all my fears. I saw an
innumerable host of happy beings surrounding the inexpressible glory, in
acts of adoration and joyous worship; but I did not see any bodily
shape or representation in the glorious appearance. I heard things
unutterable. I heard their songs and hallelujahs of thanksgiving and
praise, with unspeakable rapture. I felt joy unutterable and full of
glory. I then applied to my conductor, and requested leave to join the
happy throng; on which he tapped me on the shoulder, and said, 'You must
return to the earth.' This seemed like a sword through my heart. In an
instant I recollect to have seen my brother standing before me disputing
with the doctor. The three days during which I had appeared lifeless
seemed to me not more than ten or twenty minutes. The idea of returning
to this world of sorrow and trouble gave me such a shock, that I fainted
repeatedly."--Life of William Tennent, by Elias Boudinot, LL.D.
* Mr. Tennent said that, for three years, the ravishing sounds he had
heard and the words that were uttered were not out of his ears. He was
often importuned to tell what words were uttered, but declined, saying,
"You will know them, with many other particulars, hereafter, as you will
find the whole among my papers." Boudinot was with the army when Tennent
died, and, before he could reach his house, the family, with all his
effects, had gone with a son to South Carolina. He was taken sick about
fifty miles from Charleston, and amoung strangers. Although Boudinot was
the executor of both father and son he never discovered any of Tennent's
papers.
[[[The Pine Robbers.]]]
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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