The fifth book of wonders

I shall begin this book with the advertisement sent to be put in Bell's Weekly Messenger of Sunday, May 29th, but which was refused insertion.

"In the Third and Fourth Books of Wonders, Joanna Southcott announced to the world that she would have a SON this year, in the sixty-fifth year of her age, by the power of the Most High.
"Whatever mockery the announcement of such an event may cause among mankind, or however wonderful it may appear, there is the most satisfactory evidence that it will be realized. This proof is established upon the testimony of three women—all mothers themselves—who have attended her throughout; and upon their examination by two medical gentlemen regarding the symptoms that have occurred in Joanna Southcott from March 17th to May 26th. Their decided opinion is that, if such symptoms were found in a young woman, she would certainly be pregnant with a living child."

Now I shall begin to answer the mockery of the world, using the words of Paul from Acts 13:40, 41:

"Beware, therefore, lest what is spoken of in the prophets comes upon you; behold, you despisers, wonder and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which you shall in no wise believe, though a man declares it to you."

But why should they not believe? The prophets tell them: because of their sins, God gave them up to the hardness of their hearts. Psalm 81:11, 12:

"But my people would not listen to my voice; and Israel would have none of"