Newspaper Clipping of the Day

Via Newspapers.com

I’m pleased to say that this week’s newspaper item features Satan himself in the starring role.  The “Fort Wayne Sentinel,” February 8, 1886:

New York, Feb. 8. The sensation of the day here is the terrible revelations made in a special dispatch to the World from Millersburg, Dauphin Co., Pennsylvania. The circumstances are of the most startling nature and serves as a warning against religious mockery. 

Samuel Motter, a vender of patent medicines, entered a hotel where a jovial crowd sat and dared them to imitate the Lord's supper. Beer and bread were at once set forth and the carousers bowed in mock humility and Motter went along distributing a bite and sup to each. Suddenly, when he was about half through, a strange noise was heard and, looking up, the men saw a sight that made their blood run cold. As near as the scared men could describe it, they declare that it was an immense, ill-formed and foul beast, with great cloven feet, painted horns and eyes that flashed fire. With wild yells the men rushed into the open air and scattered in every direction. Finally all reached home except Mr. Motter, who was away for a long time and at last he arrived a maniac. He was put to bed and physicians summoned, but they could do nothing for him. He raved, howled and prayed, declaring that he had seen the evil one and that he was lost. His torture was terrible, but nothing could be done to relieve him and he died in the wildest agony. The death bed scene is said to have been full of horrors that can hardly be described.

I doubt it would be of any consolation to Mr. Motter, but as a seller of patent medicines, he was probably already bound for Hell.