JOANNA SOUTHCOTT AND HER CRIB
In one of the recent publications of this Prophetess, entitled the Book of Wonders,
is announced "the coming of SHILOH, with a call to the Hebrews." The Spirit says,
p.4, "This year, in the 65th year of thy age, thou shalt have a Son by the power of
the Most High, which if they receive as their Prophet, Priest, and King, then I
will restore them to their own land, and cast out the Heathens for their sakes, as
I cast out them when they cast out me, by rejecting me as their Saviour, Prince,
and King, for which I said I was born, but not at that time to establish my
Kingdom."―In consequence of this announcement, the followers of JOANNA SOUTHCOTT,
who are increasing both in town and county, are making all sorts of necessary
precautions. It is certainly true, that she has been literally overwhelmed with
presents.―Laced caps, embroidered bibs, and marked robes, a mohair mantle, which
cost 15 [shillings].―Splendid silver pap-spoons and candle-cups (one shaped like a
dove)―have been poured in upon her, till she has at length determined to receive no
more of such things. To complete the desired apparatus, a magnificent Crib has just
been finished by one of our first upholsterers, of which a friend has favoured us
with the following particulars:―
"A short description of a Crib, made by Mr. Seddons, of Aldersgate-street,
according to the order of some Gentlemen, who are members of the Church established
by Joanna Southcott, for the New Messiah, with whom they believe she is now
pregnant:―
"This Crib, which is made of an oblong square, is of the usual size of modern
Cribs; the frame is made of satin-wood, richly ornamented with gold; the sides and
ends filled with lattice work of gold. The body of the Crib, which they call the
MANGER, is richly lined with blue satin, drawn together so as to give it the
appearance of fitted work. The pillars on which it stands are taper, with ribbons
of gold entwining round them. The head cloth is of blue satin, with a celestial
crown of gold embroidered upon it, and underneath this appears the word SHILOH, in
Hebrew characters, richly drawn, and exhibited in gold-spangles. Over the head part
of the Crib appears an elegant canopy of blue satin, lined with the finest white
muslin, which is drawn together to a plait, and fastened underneath, or withinside
the canopy, by a rose of blue satin. The outer point of the canopy is finished with
the figure of a Dove of gold, resting on a small white ball, and bearing a branch
of olive in its mouth. Around the outer rim of the canopy is this inscription, in
letters of gold:―"A free-will offering by Faith to the promised Seed." The curtains
and other drapery are blue satin edged with gold fringe, and looped up with gold
line and gold tassels. The inner curtains are of fine white muslin.
"The above is a description of what they call the Manger; besides which they have a
Crib which fits within the former, and hangs upon swivels, that a proper motion may
be given to it whenever the young Prince may require rocking.
"The Crib itself is made with satin wood, fitted with the most beautiful cane-work,
from which passes a cord of gold to a pedal, which is designed to rock the cradle
whenever this may be proper for the infant, and to prevent the necessity of leaning
over the manger, which might incommode the supernatural babe.
"The bed is of the finest eider-down, in a white covering; the coverlet is of
richest white satin, with a medallion in the centre, bearing the figures of a Lamb
lying down with the Lion. The Lamb is worked in silver―the Lion in gold. These are
surmounted by a Tree of Life worked in gold also. The sheets for the bed are made
of the best cambric, edged with expensive lace.―July 29, 1814."
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| Shiloh's Crib today, at the Panacea Museum, Bedford |
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