The Humbugs of the World · Chapter
XLV explained
This chapter details the life and religious humbug of Joanna Southcott, a Devonshire farmer's lass turned prophetess who claimed to be the destined mother of the second Messiah.
What happens
This chapter details the life and religious humbug of Joanna Southcott, a Devonshire farmer's lass turned prophetess who claimed to be the destined mother of the second Messiah. It describes her rise from washerwoman to leader of a large sect, her prophecies, the sale of 'seals' guaranteeing heaven, and the failed prediction of the birth of Shiloh on October 19, 1814, which led to her death and the eventual dissolution of her following.
Themes in this chapter
Religion and Superstition
Joanna Southcott's prophecies and the belief in her divine mission exemplify the intersection of religious fervor and superstition, as she claimed to be the mother of the second Messiah.
Gullibility and Human Nature
The chapter highlights the gullibility of thousands who believed in Joanna's predictions, purchased 'seals' for heaven, and waited for the birth of Shiloh, despite clear evidence of deception.
Hypocrisy and Moral Judgment
The narrative exposes the hypocrisy of religious leaders and followers who condemned skeptics while profiting from the sale of 'seals' and exploiting faith for personal gain.
Characters to notice
- Joanna Southcott
The central figure of the chapter, a farmer's lass turned prophetess who claimed to be the virgin mother of the second Shiloh, leading a large sect until her failed prophecy and death.
- Tom Simmons
Mentioned as Sanderson, the man who first recognized Joanna as a Bible prodigy and interpreted her visions.
- Mr. Barnum
The narrator, who provides a skeptical account of Joanna Southcott's humbug and its effects.
Key passages
“Joanna Southcott was born at St. Mary's Ottery in Devonshire, about the year 1750. She was a plain, stout-limbed, hard-fisted farmer lass, whose toils in the field... had tawned her complexion and hardened her muscles, at an early age.”
Joanna Southcott was born around 1750 in Devonshire, a strong, hardworking farm girl whose outdoor labor gave her a tanned complexion and tough muscles.
Describes Joanna's humble origins and physical appearance.
“She was to be the destined Mother of the Second Messiah... proclaiming that she was to be the destined Mother of the Second Messiah.”
She declared herself the prophesied mother of the second Messiah.
Core claim of Joanna's religious humbug.
“The whole sect extended until, in 1813, it numbered no less than one hundred thousand members, signed and 'sealed'.”
By 1813, her sect had grown to over 100,000 members who had received her 'seals'.
Indicates the massive scale of her following.
“On the appointed night, the street in which Joanna lived was thronged with the faithful... they bivouacked on the sidewalks in motley crowds of men, women, and children; and as the hours wore on, and their interest increased, burst forth into spontaneous psalmody.”
On the predicted night, crowds of believers filled the streets, camping out and singing hymns as they awaited the birth.
Describes the public anticipation and devotion of her followers.
“But the evening passed, then midnight came, then morning, but alas! no Shiloh; and, little by little, the disappointed throngs dispersed!”
The night passed without the promised birth, and the crowds gradually left in disappointment.
The failed prophecy that led to the sect's decline.