LIVING UNDER THE PROSPECT OF JUDGMENT DAY To view this resource, log in or sign up for a subscription plan
Long ago in New England there was a strange dark day which frightened many people. At noon it was as dark as early night. The birds sang their evening songs and disappeared. Chickens went to roost and cows came home from pasture. In Connecticut the State Legislature was in session and someone moved adjournment thinking that the Day of Judgment had come. Then one of the legislators took the floor and said, “I am against adjournment. The Day of Judgment either is approaching or it is not. If it is not, there is no cause for adjournment. If it is, I choose to be found doing my duty. I wish therefore candles to be brought.” His words carried the day and the legislature remained in session. The poet Whittier wrote of him, And there he stands in memory to this day
Erect, self poised, a rugged face half seen
Against a background of unnatural dark.
