In the Memoirs of J.F. Oberlin, Pastor of a poor Protestant flock, in
one of the wildest parts of France, we find the following pleasant
recipe for laying a ghost:--
An honest tradesman, relying on the power of his faith, came to him one
day, and after a long introduction, informed him, that a ghost, habited
in the dress of an ancient knight, frequently presented itself before
him, and awakened hopes of a treasure buried in his cellar; he had
often, he said, followed it, but had always been so much alarmed by a
fearful noise, and a dog which he fancied he saw, that the effort had
proved fruitless, and he had returned as he went. This alarm on the
one hand, and the hope of acquiring riches on the other, so entirely
absorbed his mind, that he could no longer apply to his trade with his
former industry, and had, in consequence, lost nearly all his custom.
He therefore urgently begged Oberlin would go to his house, and conjure
the ghost, for the purpose of either putting him in possession of the
treasure, or of discontinuing its visits. Oberlin replied, that he did
not trouble himself with the conjuration of ghosts, and endeavoured to
weaken the notion of an apparition in the man's mind, exhorting him at
the same time to seek for worldly wealth by application to his business,
prayer, and industry. Observing, however, that his efforts were
unavailing, he promised to comply with the man's request. On arriving at
midnight at the tradesman's house, he found him in company with his wife
and several female relations, who still affirmed that they had seen the
apparition. They were seated in a circle in the middle of the apartment.
Suddenly the whole company turned pale, and the man exclaimed, "Do you
see, sir, the count is standing opposite to you?"
"I see nothing."
"Now, sir," exclaimed another terrified voice, "he is advancing towards
you?"
"I still do not see him."
"Now he is standing just behind your chair."
"And yet I cannot see him; but, as you say he is so near me, I will
speak to him." And then rising from his seat, and turning towards the
corner where they said that he stood, he continued, "Sir Count, they tell
me you are standing before me, although I cannot see you; but this shall
not prevent me from informing you that it is scandalous conduct on your
part, by the fruitless promise of a hidden treasure, to lead an honest
man, who has hitherto faithfully followed his calling, into ruin--to
induce him to neglect his business--and to bring misery upon his wife
and children, by rendering him improvident and idle. Begone! and delude
them no longer with such vain hopes."
Upon this the people assured him that the ghost vanished at once.
Oberlin went home, and the poor man, taking the hint which in his
address to the count he had intended to convey, applied to business
with his former alacrity, and never again complained of his nocturnal
visiter.
No ghost was ever more easily laid; but supposing the story to be
accurately related, Oberlin's presence of mind is not more remarkable,
than that the whole company should have concurred in affirming that they
saw an apparition which was invisible to him.
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