Interesting read from a Utah buddy that I have read before, but never featured in the blog:
Robert Edge, One of the Three Nephites?
(originally published Millennial Star, 21 June 1880)
From “Faith of the Ancients,” NB Lundwall
“One calm, sunny day, in the month of May, 1878, a supposed clap
of thunder directly over the city of Lexington, Henderson County, Tennessee,
rebounding from the hills and cliffs nearby, greatly excited the curiosity of
the Peoples of that region. The farmer stopped his plow, gazed around for an
approaching storm, but seeing no cloud in the clear sky threw his plow again
into the furrow and Plodded on, as though nothing had happened. The workman in
his shop laid down his tools, walked to the door, to see from whence the storm
was coming. The merchant and the tailor did the same, but seeing no sign of a
storm returned in wonderment to their labor, and consoled themselves with the
thought that the noise was only one of the phenomena of the nineteenth century.
“One strange feature, however, of this occurrence was that every
person who lived within eight miles of Lexington stated that the sound
proceeded either from a bluff located near the city or else sounded directly
overhead. Reports soon came that this peculiar sound was heard for thirty miles
around.
“In the afternoon of the same day a strange man appeared near
Lexington, the county seat. He was rather spare built, Of medium height, had
fair skin, and dark brown hair which was rather thin and inclined to curl; his
beard was of a reddish cast and not very heavy. Judging from his appearance his
age was between twenty-seven and thirty years.
“The object of this stranger was to announce a meeting which was
to be held in the neighborhood that evening. Being rather poorly clad, and
because of his seeming intimate acquaintance with the shortest roads in the
fields and woods, he excited the curiosity of a great many people, and as a
consequence the meeting house, that evening, was crowded to its utmost
capacity.
“At the hour appointed the stranger took his position on the
stand. After looking around the assembly for a few moments he arose, and in a
very clear, sharp tone, called the audience to order. He then sang a hymn that
was most pleasing both in sentiment and melody.
“On arising to speak he astonished his congregation by not using
that whining tone which is usually characteristic of modern divines, but spoke
in a clear, decisive tone. He was very calm in his introductory remarks, but
grew more eloquent as he entered deeper into his subject.
“At the close of the services he appointed, at the solicitation
of those present, several meetings to be held In the surrounding country.
“He gave his name as Robert Edge, and said he belonged to the
Church of God, but concerning the place from which he came, the inquirer
received no satisfaction.
“The news that a strange but eloquent preacher had come into the
country, spread far and near. In his first circuit through different parts of
the county this person pursued a very peculiar but effective course. Seemingly
his object was to get all classes of people out to hear him. By way of
illustration, when he first entered a neighborhood whose dominant sect was of
the Baptist persuasion, he would speak upon some gospel principle of which this
class of people were particularly fond, and display its good features in a very
pleasing and beautiful manner. lt is needless to say that after thus speaking,
the Baptists would gather around him and express their appreciation of his
remarks. When he entered a Methodist, Presbyterian or Campbellite neighborhood,
he pursued the same course with regard to the good features of their respective
religions. Occasionally he would intermingle his ideas upon other principles,
such as free thought, independence of character, etc. By this means he gathered
around him the Methodist, Presbyterian, Campbellite and the so called sinner.
His fame as an eloquent speaker grew so rapidly that people of all classes
gathered to hear him from localities twenty and thirty miles distant.
“By this time a great many began questioning among themselves
why it was that no one had ever seen Mr. Edge either come or go any great
distance from the meeting house. When he would come to meeting no one
remembered seeing him until after he had arrived in the crowd, or was in the
pulpit. They at once appointed persons to watch him, but they, as well as the
people, were sure to lose track of him before he had proceeded very far, unless
he had, perchance, accepted an invitation to accompany some of his hearers
home.
“Mr. Edge being a supposed stranger in that locality, the people
wondered why he had not asked his way when desiring to go from one place to
another. One evening a gentleman who had never before seen the mysterious
preacher came to his meeting, and was very much pleased with his discourse. At
the close of the meeting the stranger arose to his feet and asked Mr. Edge if
he would be kind enough to come and speak at his house the following Wednesday.
Mr. Edge dropped his head a moment as though thinking whether he could fill the
appointment or not, then looked up and replied, "Yes, sir, I will be there
at seven o'clock."
“The gentleman lived several miles from where that meeting was
held, and therefore wondered why he was not asked the road leading to his
residence, but no questions were asked. The people where he was then stopping
said they watched Mr. Edge very closely but learned to their satisfaction that
he did not make any inquiries concerning. the gentleman's name or his place of
residence; still, when the time for the meeting came he was in his place.
“As we have now given a brief outline of the course pursued by
Mr. Edge when he first came into their midst, as well as some of his
peculiarities, we will turn to the doctrines taught by him.
“Although he had been speaking quite freely upon the principles advocated
by the various sects, seemingly to draw around him the different classes of
people, he gave them to understand that he believed first in a tangible Godin
a God that could walk, talk, understand and be understood; in a God that had
passions to love and hate right and wrong principles.
“Second, in a repentance that consisted in turning from sin, and
learning to do well.
“Third, in a baptism after the likeness of the death, burial,
and resurrection of our risen Redeemer, in a baptism that would cleanse one
from his sins, and enable him to walk in a newness of life, as did our Savior
when He passed from mortality to immortality. At this time he only referred to
the laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, as being a
principle taught by Jesus Christ and His apostles, and left the query on the
minds of the people, how such and such doctrines could be taught in His Church
now, and yet He be an unchangeable being.
“Mr. Edge dwelt very elaborately upon prophecy contained in the
Old and New Testaments. First he referred to prophecies that have received
their literal fulfillment, in order to give them a correct understanding of the
term. Then very ably referred to many prophecies that are being fulfilled, or
that have not yet received their fulfillmentsuch as those referring to the
second coming of Christ; to the gathering together of Israel; to the rebuilding
of Jerusalem by the Jews; to the mountains of ice flowing down and highways
being cast up for the people to travel upon who should come from the north
countries whither they have been scattered; to the restoration of God's kingdom
upon this continent, before that reign of peace for one thousand years, with
Christ and His people.
“About this time Mr. Edge held a meeting at the city of Lexington
that will long be remembered by the multitude that gathered to hear him from
the surrounding country. Their attention was first called to his peculiar
prayer, wherein he asked the Lord to grant unto all people everywhere the
desires of their hearts; should they seek knowledge, to cause that they might
be filled; should they ask for wisdom, to give it unto them; if notoriety or
fame be their object, to permit them to obtain it; if it be gold they are
seeking, to fill their laps; should the reverend divines seek to bring souls
unto Christ, to aid them in so doing; should they preach for hire and divine
for money, to hinder them not from receiving it; should the loaves and fishes
be their desire, to fill their plates. More especially did he appeal to God that
all those who were then assembled might depart filled with that for which they
came; if gospel truths be what they are seeking, to fill them to overflowing;
if curiosity is what they came for, to cause that they might return feeling
more curious.
“Those who have listened to the many long appeals for the
wandering sinner by the reverend divines can better imagine the amazement of
this assembly than we can describe it.
“When Mr. Edge arose to speak, every eye was fixed upon him,
wondering what next. That afternoon he took for his text, "Mystery,
Babylon the great, the mother of harlots and abominations of the earth,"
referred to in the seventeenth chapter of Revelation.
“At first he explained in a short but clear manner how
beautifully God's Church was organized in the apostles' days; how nicely every
principle was linked together from faith, repentance, baptism and the laying on
of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost, to the resurrection of the dead,
after which he brought down in a vivid and forcible manner the history of God’s
people until the last one that had the testimony of Jesus was driven to an
untimely grave.
“With this he connected Catholicism and the dark ages, when man
could circumnavigate this globe in search of one divinely authorized servant of
God who had the spirit of prophecy, and not find him.
“After Mr. Edge had proven from the scriptures and profane
history that God's people had been destroyed and every vestige of His Church
taken from the earth, he very frankly told them that every sect and creed over
this broad land was wrong, and that all had departed from the faith once given
to the saints. He then bore a powerful testimony that the gospel in all its
primitive beauty had been restored to the earth, and that, too, with apostles and
prophets and inspired men at its head. He then called upon all to repent of
their sins and come out of Babylon and follow Christ, for the hour of God's
judgment was at hand.
“After this most wonderful discourse, Satan himself seemed to
turn loose. The people were divided among themselves and began contending with
each other. The preachers flew into a perfect frenzy and began plotting and
planning how to get rid of this fellow. And, by the by, our new preacher seemed
to have turned loose also, for he went through the country like a man inspired
of God, warning the people to repent and serve their Maker, or some of the most
fearful calamities that ever befell man would come upon them and this nation.
“Many of the honest in heart gathered around him and began to
inquire from whence he came and where could this kingdom of God be found that
he had so beautifully described.
“They still received no satisfaction as to where he came from,
but the kingdom of God, said he, "is located within these United
States."
“To give you a better idea how Mr. Edge was questioned, and how
peculiar his answers were, we will relate an instance.
“While walking the road one day the boys began remarking among
themselves, how hard it was to find out who this Mr. Edge was, and where he had
come from. At this, one Jones, a Baptist deacon, spoke up in a very determined
manner saying, "Why, I'll dig him up this evening."
“Mr. Edge had an appointment for a meeting in a private house
that evening nearby. As it happened, he stayed with the family where he held
meeting that night. At supper Mr. Edge had eaten but very little, when he
pushed back from the table and began pacing the floor, as though somewhat
uneasy. However, in a few moments he turned to the family and remarked, "I
am going to be tempted by the devil this evening through a man."
“Soon the young people began gathering in from all directions
anticipating some fun between Jones, the deacon, and our strange preacher.
“Just as the last rays of the sparkling sun sank behind the
horizon, Mr. Edge discovered a man climbing the fence, a few hundred yards off,
as though coming to meeting. Turning to the family he remarked, "Here
comes the gentleman now." On his arrival it proved to be Jones, the
deacon.
“By this time a goodly number had gathered in, and Mr. Edge had
taken his seat in the far end of the room, beside a small table containing his
Bible and hymn book. when Mr. Jones came in, he deliberately walked across the
room and sat down beside Mr. Edge. After a few moments' silence, Mr. Jones
inquired, "My friend, where are you from?"
“Mr. Edge looked up from his Bible as though somewhat
astonished, and replied, "From about six miles," meaning the next
neighborhood, where he had just left.
“Mr. J."What church do you belong to?" Mr. E."The
Church of God, sir."Mr. J"Where is it?"Mr. E."In the
United States."
“Mr. J."You have been speaking about one being ordained
before he had the right to preach. By whom were you ordained?"
“Mr. E."By Jesus Christ, sir." Mr.J."Where?"Mr.E."In
eternity."Mr.J."How long have you been preaching?" Mr.E."About
eighteen hundred years."
“At this point Mr. Jones sprang to his feet and walked away in
disgust. On another occasion Mr. Edge pronounced the secret societies as being
manmade institutions through which the devil operated. In referring to
Masonry, he said, "Although this institution dates its origin many
centuries back, it is only a perverted priesthood stolen from the temples of
the Most High." After giving several Masonic signs he testified that Jesus
Christ Himself was the chief and master Mason.
“In order to give a better understanding how he explained the
prophetic visions of ancient men of God, we will refer to a favorite text of
his when contrasting the powers of God and the world; and the length of time
Satan should bear rule. Rev. II:l3:
“And there was given me a reed like unto a rod; and the angel
stood, saying, rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that
worship therein.
“But the court which is without the temple leave out and measure
it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles; and the holy city shall they tread
under foot forty and two months.
“The inner courts he explained as the courts of God filled with
the brightness of the Lord's glory. The outer courts as the kingdoms of this
world that had been placed in the hands of the Gentiles. In like manner he
explained the wheel within a wheel. The time the Gentiles should possess the
outer kingdoms he positively declared would expire in this generation, after
which Jesus Christ would rule.
“By this time many of the professed followers of the meek and
lowly Jesus, together with the pious Free Masons began seeking his life. One
reverend divine went so far as to hire a gang of lawless men to hunt him down
and shed his blood before sleep should overtake them. This movement compelled
Mr. Edge to confine his labors more particularly among those who were his
friends. However, many who were friendly at first began dropping off as popular
feeling against him became more intense.
“The course pursued by Mr. Edge in the beginning enabled him to
reach all classes of people. Hence today many who severed their connections
with the churches are looked upon as infidels because they believe not the
dogmas of today noting the difference between them and the doctrines of Christ,
as laid down in the divine scriptures.
“Those who were indeed his friends by this time gathered around
him and desired baptism. He answered them in these words, "I would not
baptize a man for my right arm."
“One then said, "You have not the right to baptize,
then?"
“Mr. Edge replied, "If I have not, others have," and
he promised that all who so desired he would organize into a church of
brotherly love after the apostolic order. This proposal met their approval and
some sixty persons assembled together when he laid his hands upon their heads
and blessed them, as they supposed for the reception of the Holy Ghost. He then
selected one from among them to take charge of their prayer meetings.
“Mr. Edge was not a man of many words outside the pulpit, and
when he did converse with his fellowmen, it was mostly upon religion.
"For," said he, "my Father's business is too urgent for me to
trifle with political affairs."
“When it could be so arranged, he held from one to three meetings
a day. He did his own singing, preaching and praying without even showing the
least sign of hoarseness. He ate, on an average, only one meal per day.
“Mr. Edge circulated the news that on a certain evening he would
deliver one discourse in behalf of the devil. Although popular feeling by this
time was very much against him, hundreds of people, through curiosity, came to
hear this peculiar sermon. When the evening came, the house was packed to its
utmost capacity.
“On arising to speak, the preacher read the following verses for
a text: Matt. iv. 8,9.
“Again the devil taketh him up into an exceeding high mountain;
and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world and the glory of them.
“And said unto him all these things will I give unto thee, if
thou wilt fall down and worship me.
“He then assumed the attitude of the devil; and gave his
audience to understand that every word spoken by him was the same as if Lucifer
had said it himself.
“After showing from his text that this whole world was under his
direct command, he portrayed the many beauties and pleasures that were at his
disposal. He then eulogized them very much upon the course they were pursuing.
"I am not so particular," said he, "how you obtain money, but
the idea is, get it."
“He said to his assembly that should one of them have a horse to
sell, his advice as the devil, would be to take him into the back yard for a
few days and there feed him well on the best of buckskin, then to bring him out
into the road prancing on his hind feet, take him down in town, meet some old
gentleman that knew nothing about a horse and obtain two prices for the animal,
then the thing to do was to return to one's comrades and brag how nicely it was
done.
“He advised the young people not to live such a penurious life,
but to dress in the heighth of fashion; ride behind fine horses; be free with
the opposite sex; and if, perchance, one of those fair daughters should be
ruined, cast her aside to wallow in disgrace the remainder of her days, while
the gentleman who perpetrated the foul deed should be held up as a cunning
fellow.
“His advice to the reverend divines was to make long prayers,
pull straight faces, pretend righteousness, preach sympathetic and graveyard
sermons, deceive every man's wife they possibly could, and be sure not to
forget to steal the virtue of every fair maiden who should come within their
grasp. In fact, to go on just as they had been. doing, "For in
reality," said he, "my kingdom is yours."
“And thus he went on keeping his audience in a continual titter
for about one hour and a half while he portrayed the various crimes in society
as being just the thing they ought to do. At the expiration of this time he
stepped forward, threw his hands down by his side and explained, "Get
behind me, Satan."
“Every countenance was immediately changed and breathless
silence reigned. He then began rebuking these actions in the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, and called upon everyone to repent and turn unto the true and
living God, or damnation would be theirs.
“One evening at a meeting composed mostly of his followers, the
features of Mr. Edge turned purple. No sooner had all quieted down in their
seats than he sprang to his feet and severely reprimanded them for the course
they were taking. "For," said he, "you have not only been
plotting and planning among yourselves to deceive me, but you have brought with
you legions of devils. Why, I can see them all through the house."
“On another occasion, after Mr. Edge had returned from holding
meeting in the courthouse at Lexington, three of his young followers were out
by the yard, severely criticising the course pursued by their new preacher. One
in particular thought it was the height of folly for a man in these days to
pretend to be inspired of God. While they were just in the heat of their
vilification, Mr. Edge came out of the house, which was about one hundred and
fifty yards away, and very calmly walked down towards the yard. The boys saw
him, ceased their abuse and turned towards the house. When they met, Mr. Edge
turned to the young man who had so bitterly talked. about him, and said:
“"Young man, you will not do; my spirit has been listening
to your cowardly slanderings!"
“The boys, knowing that they were too far from the house to be
overheard, grew somewhat astonished when Mr. Edge told the young man every
sentence, word for word, that he had uttered.
“Mr. Edge came to the residence of a widow lady by the name of
Telitha Cumi Reed, one day, about twelve o'clock, took off his hat, set aside
his cane and amused himself by reading while the lady prepared refreshments.
After they had sat down to the table, Mrs. Reed turned and asked Mr. Edge to
return thanks, when she saw a bright light encircling his head, which made a
strange feeling pass over her; however, she sat perfectly quiet. After grace,
the light passed away.
“While upon this subject I will relate a few of the many cases
of healing that were effected by the imposition of hands during Mr. Edge's stay
among them. This same lady, Mrs. Reed, had been bowed down with rheumatics for
several years. On learning this strange preacher taught the laying on of hands
for the healing of the sick, she believed he was a servant of God and sent for
him. Without detailing how marvelously this lady recovered, we will say that
two years later her walk was as free and easy as though rheumatics had never
racked her frame.
“The wife of James Reed, who was then said to be in the last
stages of consumption, was almost instantly healed through the imposition of
Mr. Edge's hands in the name of Jesus Christ.
“There were several beautiful sketches drawn by Mr. Edge while
in this locality. The one that more particularly attracted my attention was a
beautiful arch drawn upon the front leaf of a large Bible, owned by Mr.
Sirenous Reed. Directly up the center of this arch were very neatly placed
seven steps, on the foot of which was written, beginning at the bottom, the
following words: "Virtue, Knowledge, Temperance, Patience, Godliness,
Brotherly, Kindness and Charity."
“Just beneath the bow of the arch was placed the figure of a
young man who had just climbed this narrow stairway, kneeling upon the top
step, receiving a magnificent crown from the hands of an angel.
“In the early part of July, Mr. Edge kindly informed his
followers that he would soon depart on his Father's business. Before leaving,
however, he desired all those whom he had blessed to go with him through a fast
of three days. In calling his brethren and sisters together he told them the
fast he desired them to pass through was similar to that observed in ancient
days by the Apostle Paul.
“He gave as his reasons for this task the cleansing and
purifying of the system, the preparatory step to a greater labor, to test their
worthiness to enter God's kingdom; and lastly, if they would honestly and faithfully
go through this fast, it would enable them to taste of that spirit that would
hereafter, through obedience, bring them forth in the first resurrection.
“As the greater part of his followers lived on the banks of
Beech River, near the mouth of Haley's Creek, this place was selected for the
purpose of fasting. These three days were spent in singing, and praying, and
rejoicing in the Lord. Once a day they were allowed to bathe in the waters of
Beech River.
“Some were only able to fight the pangs of hunger one day, while
others held out until the evening of the second day; but only twentyone, out
of the sixtyodd who began the fast, were able to say on the evening of the
third day, "I have truthfully kept the fast."
“It may seem strange, nevertheless a fact, that every one of
those who kept not the fast turned to be his bitterest enemies.
“It is not necessary for me to explain to him who has battled
against popular sentiment that, although the acts of this little band were as
pure as the falling drops of rain, many of the most glaring falsehoods were
circulated about them.
“In those who had followed him through these ordeals, Mr. Edge
seemed to have implicit confidence. Hence, he began teaching the more advanced
principles of eternal life, such as building places of worship, erecting
temples to the Most High, and to prepare for the grand millennium day of rest,
when Christ will reign a thousand years on earth. In this connection he told
his followers that this continent, the land of the free, the home of the brave
and the asylum of the oppressed, is the place designated by Him who reigns on
high for the building of that beautiful city, the New Jerusalem; aye, and more:
that the day would come when these United States would be dotted with temples,
one of which would be built in Henderson County, Tennessee.
“Soon after their fast he called them together and pronounced
upon each couple a ceremony of marriage, and gave them to understand that if
another opportunity was not afforded them, this would hold throughout time and
all eternity. He also gave them some tokens that they might know when they
entered a temple controlled by servants of God.
“At another time, when admonishing them, he quoted Rev. ii:17:
“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna,
and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name is written, which
no man knoweth save he that receiveth it.
“The story, ere this, had been circulated that Mr. Edge was a
"Mormon" preacher, in this county for the purpose of leading silly
women astray. The name of a "Mormon" had a peculiar jingle in the
ears of his followers, hence, they flew to their preacher, Edge, at once for
the truthfulness of this story. He neither affirmed nor denied their queries,
but regarding polygamy he said:
“If God shall give a man one wife she will be his; and if it so
pleases Him to give the same man two, three, or even more, they also will be
his.
“Dear reader, to save wearying you, we will only relate one
instance where Mr. Edge was miraculously delivered from the hands of a ruthless
mob, among the many similar cases that occurred while he was in this county.
The last time the pleasant countenance of Robert Edge was seen by his beloved
followers he stayed at the residence of E.R. Reed, some seven miles northeast
of Haley's Creek.
“At supper he gave Mr. Reed and family to understand his
intentions were to remain among them some three weeks longer in order to more
thoroughly organize and instruct them in the gospel truths.
“About eleven o'clock that night Mr. Reed was aroused from his
slumbers by Robert Edge gathering up his small bundle, Bible and cane. Mr. Reed
inquired what was wrong. Mr. Edge replied:
“There will be a mob here shortly, and I must depart."
“At this Mr. Reed sprang from his bed, saddled his animals, and
he and Mr. Edge mounted them and departed down through the woods in the
direction of Alabama.
“Although Mr. Reed was familiar with the roads for miles away,
Mr. Edge led their course through the woodlands in the darkening hours of
night.
“Soon Mr. Edge dismounted from his horse and told Mr. Reed he
had gone far enough. Then taking his bundle, Bible and cane, he bid Mr. Reed
farewell.
“We will return to Mrs, Reed, who was left with the little ones,
anticipating a mob every moment.
“About twelve o'clock there suddenly rushed around the house a
gang of maddened brutes, called men, who demanded the preacher, Edge. The lady
kindly informed them that he was not there. Not being satisfied with her
answer, they rushed into the house and searched it from the loft to the cellar.
Not finding the object of their search, they cursed and swore like so many
demons. After about one hour and a half they departed, promising the lady they
would get him yet.
“This little band of Mr. Edge's followers, according to his
instructions, met together often, talked to each other and sang praises to God.
They frequently referred to the sayings of Mr. Edge, where he told them that if
they remained faithful, and followed the dictations of the good spirit, that
other preachers would visit them and lead their footsteps to the main body of
the Church. During the Winter of 1880 there appeared in the New York Sun an
interview with President John Taylor by O.J. Hollister, in which the officers
of the Church were named and many of its doctrines spoken of.
“This was the first thing to attract the attention of the
followers of Mr. Edge towards the Latterday Saints, and being desirous to
learn more about this peculiar people they addressed a letter of inquiry to the
county clerk of Salt Lake County. D. Brokholt, being clerk at that time, at
once sent them the "Voice of Warning" and several copies of The
Deseret News, with advice to address Pres. John Morgan at Rome, Georgia.
“After reading the "Voice of Warning" and being
favorably impressed with the doctrines contained therein, they addressed a
letter to Pres. Morgan, informing him that one of our preachers visited them a
few years previous and laid his hands upon their heads for the reception of the
Holy Ghost, but did not baptize them. Hence, they were very desirous to have an
Elder sent there to perform this ordinance.
“Pres. Morgan at once forwarded the letter to Pres. Franklin
Spencer at Shady Grove, Hickman Co., Tenn., who was then presiding over the
Tennessee Conference, at the same time writing to these people in Henderson
County, informing them that There was a branch of the Church on Cane Creek,
Lewis Co., Tennessee.
“On receiving this intelligence four of them mounted their
horses and rode about sixty miles before they reached Cane Creek; but finding
no Elders there, they returned.
“At the time this epistle came from Pres. Morgan, there were
laboring in the conference, Pres. Franklin Spencer, George H. Carver, Lorenzo
Hunsaker and myself. Brother Carver and I were selected to visit West
Tennessee. This left President Spencer and Brother Hunsaker each to travel
alone. However, before starting Pres. Spencer and I visited Cane Creek, at the
same time sending a letter to West Tennessee.
“On arriving at Cane Creek we found this little branch somewhat
exercised over the visit of these four gentlemen.
“About the time our West Tennessee friends arrived home they
received Pres. Spencer's letter, bringing the news that we would be at Cane
Creek at a certain date. James H. Scott and Sirenious Reed wheeled their horses
and came back.
“They arrived at Cane Creek late in the afternoon. That evening
and the following day were spent in conversing with these two gentlemen upon
the principles of the gospel, who Mr. Edge was, how he taught the falling away
and restoration of the gospel, the necessity of building temples, the name that
one would receive who should remain faithful after passing through the temples,
etc.
“Late in the after part of the same day these gentlemen, after
having conversed together a short time, said:
“"What hindereth us from putting on the whole armor of God
that we might withstand the fiery darts of the adversary?"
“Hence they were baptized and returned home rejoicing.
“On the 13th day of May, 1880, Brother George H. Carver and
myself started on our trip to Henderson County, Tenn.
“Not until we arrived within about thirty miles of Lexington did
we hear much about this peculiar preacher.
“On the night of the 20th, we stayed with Squire Long, a very
intelligent gentleman, who began telling us about that wonderful preacher,
Robert Edge, who came into their midst some two years previous. As we knew
nothing of Mr. Edge we sat and listened very attentively to his long story. He
spoke about Mr. Edge pretending to be inspired of God, about his peculiar
manner of going to and coming from meeting, of his being hunted down by mobs,
of their fasting three days and more particularly about the lumbering noise
heard about the time Mr. Edge came among them.
“On the evening of the 21st, we arrived at Sirenious Reed's. He
received us kindly and sent out for a number of his brethren; and, you may be
assured, we had a good old time chat that evening.
“On the 15th day of June we obtained the following statement,
which was dictated and signed by two of them: (Not quoted herein, as it is a
repetition of the account just given about Robert Edge. It was signed by James
Henderson Scott and Sirenious Reed.)
“In a conversation with some of them, Mr. Edge stated that he
once lived in the land of Texas and had a wife and one child when he began his
missionary labor.
“He also informed them that he had a partner whom he very
frequently traveled with, by the name of Cob, whom he had not seen since
leaving the State of Arkansas.
“In speaking of himself he said: "I am not worthy of but
one of the nail prints in my hands."
“Some time after his departure, one of this little band was
casually turning the leaves of the large Bible owned by S. Reed, and discovered
the 31st verse of the 24th Chapter of Matthew enclosed in brackets, inside of
which was written the name of Robert Edge.
“He wrote his people two letters of encouragement, one while in
the State of Georgia and the other while in South Carolina. In the last one he
spoke some of visiting England.
“A few months later I met Pres. Morgan in the city of Nashville,
who, while in conversation regarding this preacher, Edge, showed me a letter he
had received some time previous with no name signed on it.
“As far as I was able to judge between the writings left in
Henderson County by Mr. Edge and this letter, they were penciled by the same
hand.
“Late in the fall of the same year, Haley's Creek Branch, save
one soul, emigrated to San Jose County Colorado.
“Thus we close our narrative thinking of the prayer of Robert
Edge: "Those who seek curiosity, cause that they might feel more
curious."
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