DIRECTIONS FOR TOURISTS. 28;r 



called Eicliiinl Brothers — ;i religious fanatic — who created no 

 small stir in London move tlian a century ago. He laid claim to 

 the gift of prophecy, had visions and revelations, and scatteied 

 his predictions broadcast. His followers were numl)ere(l hy 

 thousands, and some of them were learned men and many moved 

 in fashionable circles. He announced himself as being of Jewish 

 descent, though separated from that race by 1500 years, and that 

 he had come to restore the Jews which event was to take place 

 in the year 1798. He was, he declared, of the tribe of Judah and 

 a descendant of King David. On several of his more distingu- 

 ished followers and patrons he conferred a similar distinction, 

 and assured them he had learned by special revelation that they 

 were Heljrews, one in particular being a descendant of Aaron, the- 

 High Priest. 



HE KEACHKS NOTORIETY. 



It seems scarcely credible to us in these days that such absui-d 

 ravings made a profound impression no longer ago than the reign 

 of George TIL, and that in fashionable circles in London the ex- 

 citement about tlie new Prophet Brothers Avas intense. " His 

 house" Ave are told " was daily filled with persons of quality and 

 'fortune of both sexes ; while the street A\as crowded -with the 

 great folks' carriages. Leai-ned divines entei'ed the tield as his 

 opponents. Scores of pious enthusiasts wildly testihed in his 

 favour. Thousands trembled at his denunciations of Avoe." One 

 distinguished Oriental scholar named Hallied, Avho Avas also a 

 member of Parliament, defended him in learned dissertations in 

 the press, and also in parliamentary speeches. 



BKOTHEKS' GREATEST AVORK. 



Exactly a hundred years ago (in 1794) Brothei's published his 

 greatest Avork entitled "A Revealed Knowledge of the Prophecies 

 and Times." It is uoav ranked among the rare books, and its 

 name ajipears occasionally in tlie catalogues of old books at a high 

 price. It is said to be a tissue of the Avildest ravings ; once it 

 Avas admired as an inspired production. Among other things he 

 inlormed George III. that he would shortlv luxA'e to surrender 



