The Rhode Island Republican

From the Columbian Phenix.

THE VERMONT PROPHET

These three words have for a short time rung in the ear of the publick, without a perfect knowledge of the reason for which they were "joined in holy wedlock." Having observed an advertisement in the Amerist, N. H. Cabinet respecting the great man, we have thought it our duty, to give to "an anxious publick" all the information we have acquired on the subject. It seems that some time ago three men were digging a well in Colchester, Ver. when they were suddenly saluted with a voice—"Heal the sick."—One of them, supposing himself called to the great work by Heaven, attempted it and failed; the second failed also; but the third, a Mr. Austin, a respectable farmer, considerably advanced in years, and a member of the society of friends, commenced the business, and according to some reports has been eminently successful.

His mode of obtaining discoveries is michly to look at the person afflicted, or read the letter which is sent him, when he declares, that they can get better soon, or if they are not in their last sickness they will recover.—The advertisement above mentioned says, that he has performed almost miraculous cures, only by having the name and complaint sent him in a letter, and that it is generally believed he is endowed with supernatural power. The advertiser offers to carry letters for 50 cents each—I have heard of a great many epistles being forwarded to this "wonderful doctor" from this town and vicinity: but have not learnt the performance of any "miraculous cures." It is said the prophet heals his fellow-creatures gratis, and it is also said that in a short time, calls upon physicians will be entirely out of fashion.

Since penning the above, we understand, that many applications have been made to St. Austin by a number of young ladies who wish to get married, for husbands; we do not know whether he has any success in this branch of business.—The person who has advertised in our paper of this day to carry letters, informs us, 'that he has seen and conversed with the doctor, who told him, that he was 65 years of age; that his commission to heal the sick was received from heaven 13 or 14 years since: and that he has been in the practice about 5 years, in which time he has performed many astonishing cures without the aid of medicine. Mr. Cole says his house is continually crowded with people, and his baskets with letters; and that he has been compelled to neglect his farm, and hire a person to read the letters he receives.