tihmvy of CKe Cheolo0(cal ^eminarjp PRINCETON • NEW JERSEY •a^D- PRESENTED BY Rufus K. Le Fevre n i-^Z ^ 999if ^/^y-t^/ ^^^<^-^^-9^ THE. LIFE. — OF — Rev. David Edwards, D.D., LATE A BISHOP OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST BY THE REV. LEWIS DAVIS, D. D. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BV REV. JAMES W. HOTT, D. D. THIRD EDITION. DAYTON, OHIO: UNITED BRETHREN PUBLISHING HOUSE. 1883. iSalered acoording to aot of Congress, in the year 1883, Bt Ret. W. J. Shoet, In the ofiSce of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. 0. PREFACE. IN presenting the following memoir to the Church and the reading public generally, a few words of explanation may — • not be out of place. The writer was not led to under- take the work through a desire to bring himself before the public as an author; but when a request came from the highest judicatory of the Church, together with the earnest solicitation of many of the friends of Bishop Edwards, the author could not well refuse to undertake the work. In the General Conference of 1877 a paper was presented and adopted in which the following words occur: "We esteem the life of Bishop D. Edwards as worthy to be forever embalmed in the memory and history of the United Breth- ren in Christ, as one of its most eloquent preachers, wisest counselors, and most faithful defenders of its holy and hon- ored principles; a mighty man of valor in the cause of Jesus, and a Christian of the purest and noblest order — alike great and good." Mingled feelings of joy and sorrow seemed to fill the hearts of all the members of the General Confer- ence, — ^joy that he had passed so triumpliantly from labor to reward, but sorrow in view of the great vacancy made in the Board of Bishops and in the Church at large. The feeling had already become deep and abiding, not only in the General Conference, but throughout the Church, V VI PREFACE. that some permanent record should be made of his life and labors. In order to meet this want the following resolution was passed: "That L. Davis be requested to prepare such manuscript for publication, and that such incidents of the . life and labors of the late Bishop Edwards as may give inter- est to the work be forwarded to him, from which to make selections." Scioto Conference, where the bishop held a membership for more than forty years, also requested me to write hia biography. The fact, too, of my long acquaintance with the bishop, and our intimate friendship, was urged by many as a reason why I should undertake the work. I hesitated for a time, but finally yielded to a request which seemed 60 general and hearty. Little, however, was done before the meeting of the General Conference of 1881. At this session, on account of other pressing duties, T asked release from the work, or assistance in its prosecution. I was not released, but again requested to prosecute the work at once. The Book Committee of the Printing Establishment wa» directed to furnish such help as might be needed. The com- mittee appointed Prof. A. W. Drury to assi.st as I might direct. This appointment was very fortunate. The pro- fessor devoted over two months during the past summer in collecting and arranging materials for the work, which have been of great service to the author. But for this invaluable help the work would not now be ready for the press. Others, too numerous to mention, by furnishing valuable suggestion* and incidents, have contributed no little in helping the work forward. The author has had free access to the bishop's diary and many of his private letters, written to dear and intimate friends. Files of the Religious Telescope and the proceed- ings of General and annual conferences have also been freely PREFACE. Vli consulted. The object has been to let Bishop Edwards Bpeak for himself. In this way the reader can see the man as he was. We want to know as much as possible of his modes of thinking, the struggles of his heart, his practical way of overcoming sin and Satan, his life-long battle with the ever-varying forms of unbelief and human weakness, and, above all, the secret of that power by which he so gloriously wrought for the Master. It is hoped that his rich endow- ments and varied attainments have not been overstated. The aim has been to be true to the facts. What the reader may think of this unpretending memoir I know not. But this I know, that in telling the story of his life — its struggles and triumphs — my own heart has been made stronger for life's battles. I have not done all that I wished — but what I could. And now nothing remains but for me to send forth this volume, with a prayer that the blessing of God may attend it, and that it may have the charitable judgment of the Church. LEWIS DAVIS. Datton, Ohio, Febntary, 1883. CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE Parents — Early Years — Home in Wales— Incidents — Emi- gration to America — Settlement — Incidents — Conver- sion 17 CHAPTER II. The Times — Licensed to Preach — Trial Efforts — Associ- ates — Incidents — First Circuit 81 CHAPTER III. Marriage — Location — Business Affairs — Resumes Itiner- ant Labors — Experience 50 CHAPTER IV. Elected Editor — Incidents — Education — Missions — Holi- ness — Character 64 CHAPTER V. Editorial Labors Continued — Valuable Extracts 86 CHAPTER VL General Conference of 1849 — Elected Bishop — First Con- ference Sessions 101 CHAPTER VII. General Conference of 1853 — Re-elected Bishop — Editorial Labors — The Conferences — Missionary Board — Inci- dents 145 ix X CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. PAQB Twelfth General Conference — Re-elected Bishop — Diary — Incidents 175 CHAPTER IX. Thirteenth General Conference — Re-elected Bishop — La- bors on Bishop Glossbrenner's District— Diary — Inci- dents 198 CHAPTER X. Fourteenth General Conference — The Conferences — As- sists Bishop Marlcwood — Telescof)e Articles — Incidents — Character as a Preacher — Sermon Sketches — Re- marks 228 CHAPTER XI. Fifteenth General Conference — Re-elected Bishop — The Conferences — Visit to the Pacific Coast — Letters — Re- view of his Work in the West 258 CHAPTER XIL Sixteenth General Conference— Re-elected Bishop — Sent to the East — Tlie Conferences — Revisits the Pacifio Coast — Incidents of the First Two Years — Visit to Dayton — Third Round— In Baltimore — Sick — Death and Burial— Brief Summary 280 INTRODUCTION HE good man has a twofold immortality. Tlie one ^plUv belongs U) him in tlie country within the veil, where — • the soul enters upon a higher and broader life; the other, by the influence of personal character and deeds, mingles with the tliought and being of men, and flows down the stream of human life to the end of all things. It is the mission of biography to contribute largely to the force and faithfulness of this after-life which men live on earth. As the historian gives to succeeding ages the lives and influence of nations, so the biographer places upon newly-forming features &f society the influence of a per- sonal life which has completed its earthly pilgrimage. Bishop Edwards has been in the unseen holy seven years. He has measurably solved the awful mystery of human existence. At present his life is untrammeled by the limi- tations of time and space, as they belong to us. His life no more bears the tax of wearying toil. Life and death have rolled up the curtains which conceal from us eternal things. The biographer might have written a panegyric upon the life of Bishop Edwards, which would have revealed his own skill as well as portrayed the enticing features of a remarka- ble human life. He might have chosen the character he xi Xii INTRODUCTION. bas handled as a text from which to proclaim certain im- portant moral truth?. He might have aimed to furnish rather his own interpretation of the character, meaning, and influence of the life of Bishop Edwards. These pos- sibilities, however, have not been the aim of the author of this volume. He has sought to present the deceased bishop of the past generation to the present generation just as he was. The pen has traceil his life in its development of character through sorrows and joys, through struggles and labors, through sufferings and triumplis, threading the history of the Church to its final consummation. The value of this personal element in the literature of a church can not be too highly appreciated. The Bible gives us the biographies of Joseph and of Euth and of others of illustrious fame, in stories of marvelous beauty. The Odys- 8ey of Homer gives us the biography of Ulysses. Suetonius tells the story of the lives of the Caesars. Diogenes Laertius records the biographies of the ancient philosophers, wiiile Plutarch has furnished the ages with the biographies of the greatest among the Greeks and Romans. Ancient, medie- val, ;uh1 UKxlerii literature bring us vast treasures of imper- i«liiil)le wealth in the biographies of the good and the great. How fitting, then, that our own Church should more dili- gently and sacredly garner and guard the influence and memory of its honored dead. Tliis is the first instance in which the biography of any of the deceased bishops of the United Brethren in Christ has been placed in book-form. Forty years Bishop Edwards labored in the gospel minis- try. Twenty-^ven years he bore the honors and met the responsibilities of the office of a bisliop in a progressive and growing church, which did not hesitate to grapple with the profoundest moral questions of the age. Four years he occupied the editorial chair, conducting the Eeligious Tele- INTRODUCTION. Xlll scope, the oflBcial organ of the church of his choice. He died in the bishop's oflBce, in Baltimore, Maryland, June 6, 1876. A deep, oppressive sorrow fell like a pall upon a wide circle of Christian hearts when it was announced that Bishop Edwards was dead. To hundreds, and even thousands, he whose life is traced in the succeeding pages seems hardly to have passed away. His persuasive voice has scarcely been hushed. The gracioua benedictions pronounced at his last conferences still hover over the hosts of God. The strong grasp of his mighty hand still presses the living palm. Bishop Edwards Uvea alike on account of his strong personal character and be- cause of his deeds. '■ Born of Welsh parentage, in North Wales, and early emi- grating to America, Bishop Edwards' young, strong nature found a genial sphere of development in the broad scope and free air of the New World. He was by nature a mighty man in physical, mental, and moral endowments. He was what the world calls a "self-made man." He was the prod- uct of deep, conscious, entire self-surrender to God, and the constant cherishing of high moral ideas and sublime Chris- tian truth. He developed from within. Christ was his supreme teacher. His life was a flame of light, kindled by an invisible sun within. The grace of^ humility adorned him like robes of spotless purity. When asked where he received his education he replied, " 1 am not educated." In this he was mistaken. His spirit and thought touched those of great and cultured men. He was capable of pro- found thought, and was a preacher of wonderful power. He preached largely by inspiration, however thorough his previ- ous preparation. The writer can never cease to remember how he struggled in prayer for divine help before his great; pulpit eflforta. Then he trusted in God and left results with XIV INTRODUCTION. him. He was sometimes lioniely, and even rough, in hig Hirect address and illustrations in tbe pulpit. Tliis homeli- iie.ss was a weapon which he knew liow to wield with power- ful effect. In his better and grander pulpit ministrations he far transcended all this, and became vivid, ornate, and uncon- sciously dramatic. He was pre-eminently a man of prayer, and relied largely upon God for immediate direction. He lived ages, counting time by heart-throbs. He possessed deep heart-consecration to Christ and the Church. Toil was his daily food. To make the best of his opportunities and talents was a ceaseless aim. His convictions upon all matters of religion, moral reform, prudence, and church-work were intense. His soul and life swung unerringly to the side of conscience. His life performed -the music composed in higher spheres. This intensity of nature sometimes made his con- duct an ofTense to those who only partially understood him. Even these, iiowever, honored and esteemed him as a man of God. Bishop Edwards did not grow weak or old, but retained the vitality and strength of life to the last. He had energy enough for forty years more in the ministry. He died at the zenith of u.sefulneas and power. He kept abreast of the progress of the Church, yet scrutinized every new devel- opment. His life covered the period in our Church when its enterprises, institutions, and peculiar features of ecclesi- astical government really took form. He left the influence of his thought and life in the Church, rather than on it These facts make this biography the more valuable to the years to come,; for, " In the wreck of nobie lives, Something iuuiiortal still surviveB." The critical Carlyle says, "A well-written life is almost aa rare as a well-spent one." In this book these two strangers INTRODUCTION. XV meet, It is pre-eminently fitting that tlie long-time friend and fellow-laborer of Bishop Edwards, Dr. L. Davis, should have written this biography. His long personal acquaint- ance with his subject, his unflinching fidelity to facts, hia wide acquaintance with the history of the Church in these years, his simple, ornate style, his ripe scholarship and long Christian life of usefulness, all fit him for this task. Few persons can fully appreciate the labor needed to produce such a volume. As the evening shadows of life are stretch- ing across his pathway, he has turned about and amid other duties sat down and inscribed an "unrhymed heroic poem." The book shows how patient the toil bestowed upon it. In nn incidental manner, very much of interesting and profita- ble history of the Church is given which is nowhere else accessible. This will be found an exceedingly valuable feature of this biography. The pen of the author has been held by a steady hand. He has chiseled a statue of a great and good man. This has been so done as scarcely to leave the marks of the tools upon the image. This late work of a life already so full of labor not only pays a just tribute to a noble character, but confers also a lasting blessing and her- itage upon the Church and coming generations. Bishop Edwards is made to rise up and speak with the same voice familiar in days long gone by. Hundreds of old men will here trace the life of one dear to them, and find new consola- tion in the gospel of Christ. Hundreds of young men will rise up from reading these pages and go out inspired and girded for stronger and nobler lives. To the writer it is no ordinary joy to commend this book to the many readers who have anxiously awaited its appearance. "The memory of the just is blessed." J. W. HOTT. Dattom, Ohio, February 1, 1883. Life of Bishop Edwards. CHAPTER I. Parents — Early Years — Home in Wales — Incidents — Emigra- tion to America — Settlement — Incidents — Conversion. I AVID EDWARDS was born May 5, 1816, in Denbigshire, North Wales, one mile from Llangedwin and live miles from Llanfyllin, in Montgomeryshire. Much of this country is rugged and mountainous, presenting a scenery varied and picturesque. Its extended mountain ranges and wide -spread valleys, intersected by deep ravines, are indeed very remarkable. In fact, this part of Wales has always been noted for its romantic charms. This may account, in part, for some of the char- acteristics of the Welsh. For example, they are very fond of poetry and music. And it is said that their language is especially adapted to poet- ical eft'usions. They are also brave, intelligent, generous, and impulsive. But they are moi;p noted for integrity of character than anything else. It ia pleasant to know that the subject 17 2 18 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. of our narrative descended from a race so noble as this, and that he was in fact a native of no mean country. Many who read these pages will readily call to mind how often he referred, in after - years, to his Welsh origin. He would say, as an apology for some of his hold utter- ances, which seemed to give oft'ense, *' Brethren, you must remember that I am a Welshman;" as much as to say, this will help you to under- stand me. But those who knew him best did not need this reminder; for it was very appar- ent that some of the peculiarities of his country- men clung to him to the last. Edward Edwards, his father, was twice married, but had no children by his first wife. His moth- er's maiden name was Elizabeth Davis. She too was twice married, her first husband's name being John Jones. By this marriage she had one son, named Thomas, who at this writing still lives, a respected citizen of Delaware, Ohio. Six children were born of this second marriage, — Elizabeth, John, Ann, Mary, David, and Sarah, their ages corresponding to the order here given. John was an itinerant minister of long standing and great usefulness in the Methodist Episcopal Church. But all these members of the Edwards family liave gone to their reward, except Mary. The parents of young Edwards had lived in LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 19 the early part of their married life iu Montgom- ery shire, three miles from Llansantffraid. Their home consisted of a small rented property, be- longing to the father of Mrs. Edwards. It was called Penygroise. Upon one corner of this little estate was built a small Dissenters' church, in which a few Congregationalists worshiped. The Edwards family were members of this so- ciety; and here they continued to worship while they remained in Wales. Thus humble and de- vout, they continued to come to hear the word of God preached, to attend the Sabbath-school and the week - night prayer - meeting, even after a move of one mile and a half had taken them to the location in Denbigshire, before mentioned. As promptly as the occasion came, the parents with their children found their way to the house of God. Mr. Edwards often said, "My father and mother were deeply pious. They had the fear of God before their eyes," The grateful remembrance of this fact was to him an inspira- tion and joy all through life. At the time he was born the family lived in a plain, neat cottage of four rooms, which, with four acres of land, was known by the name of Bronrathro. But even this humble home belonged to the estate of an English landlord. The family possessions did not extend beyond the household %^ 20 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. furniture, and at one time a horse. Edward Edwards was a mason by trade, and was often intrusted with the supervision of improvements, and even the construction of new buildings. In every relation in life he was noted for his rigid nprightness and strict integrity. One Sabbath a rich land-holder, upon whom he was chiefly de- pendent, came to consult him concerning a piece of work. Mr. Edwards replied: "Sir, my con- science does not allow me to work or to plan work on the Sabbath-day. Come any other day and I will gladly do for you anything in my power." The rich man, though not a Christian, was not oflfended at this answer, but was more than ever desirous of trusting his work to one so devoted to principle. Once on the Sabbath, as an exceptional privilege, the children desired to take a walk down the lane. The permission of the father was obtained on the condition that they would not stop to play and would return soon. This rigor will hardly be appreciated by an age that always leans to the side of indulgence and sees nothing good in self-denial. But such was the parental training of young Edwards. In referring to this in after -years he said, "My parents were rigid, but kind, in the govern- ment of their children." The positive qualities of the Edwards family were especially due to ♦LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 21 the mother. She was a woman of clear and settled convictions, of mild but efficient govern- ment. This, of course, gave her an ascendant influence over the children as they grew up to manhood and womanhood. These are rich and noble endowments. "Were they transmitted? At any rate they re-appear in David the boy and in Edwards the bishop. Besides, the place of his birth and its immediate surroundings must have been eminently fitted to awaken and develop his unusual gifts of nature. The rural scenery of this his first home on earth was indeed most lovely. True, he left it when quite young; but we have his own statement for it, that some of its charms, like visions of beauty, remained with him all through life. And no wonder, for every- thing here seemed to please and attract. A short half-mile in front of the dwelling ran the beauti- ful stream Tanat, cool and fresh from the mount- ains. Beyond were the rising slopes, rough hills, and mountain ranges. Here, close by the way, are splendid gardens, beautiful walks, and rich gifts of nature, newly touched and directed by the hand of Art. Yonder is a noble palace, reno- vated and improved from what seems to be an ancient castle. This is the summer- resort of an English gentleman. The children of that cottage of four rooms at the foot of the green hill-side 22 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. might be born poor to all that can be crowded into purses, but no stress of fortune or selfishness of the great could defraud them of the wealth that gives pleasure to the eye and the inspiration of life and joy to the mind. This was Mr. Edwards' boyhood home; and even thus early his highly-gifted mind could appreciate beauty in nature and art. These early impressions and rich endowments he brought to America; and when sanctified by the Spirit of God they made him the mighty preacher that he was. This is the key to the whole complexion of his char- acter and life. Mr. Edwards was characteristic- ally a Welshman. This fact makes it necessary to dwell a little longer upon this phase of his lineage. He himself, as we have said, often re- ferred to this. The Welsh constitute an impor- tant remnant of the once widely - spread Celts, who now have so generally fallen before the more powerful Teutons. They are the descend- ants of the old Britons, who early embraced Christianity, and waged a vigorous and for a long time a hopeful struggle against the arrogant pre- tensions of the Papacy. The old Culdee Church is a monument to the child-like susceptibility and truth-loving character of the Celts. To our times the Welsh have maintained their character for guilelessness and susceptibility to the truths of LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 23 the Christian religion. Hence it is that their fire and realism have passed into proverbs. It is well known that when the Welsh mind is touched by the power of the gospel it becomes an uninter- mitting flame. Does not this fact explain why it was that Mr. Edwards was so mighty in the pulpit and in the council-chamber? His keen susceptibility, fine imagination, and wonderful descriptive powers may be attributed to his Welsh origin. But the parents of this family caught the spirit of emigration. While Mr. Edwards was at his daily work he often thought with longing desire of America. One Saturday night he spoke of these desires to his wife, and was surprised to find that the same longings had also filled her heart, and that she had for weeks been praying and planning for an opening to enable them to come to the laud of plenty and equality. They sought this change especially for the sake of their children. Providence having opened the way, this pious family left their home, in the mount- ains of Korth Wales, the 10th of April, 1821, and the second day of the following month set sail from Liverpool in the ship " Thomas Gibben- son," and for eight weeks were out upon the sea. During the voyage a roll of sheet-lead weighing four thousand pounds, becoming loosened from 24 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. its fastenings by the rolling of the ship, pitched to the side of the vessel, crushing the lower berths in which two of the children were sleep- ing; but a projecting timber shielded their lives. Thus under the protection of a kind Providence the family reached Baltimore, Maryland, where they remained for two years. Thomas Jones, the half brother of the other children, soon went on to Delaware, Ohio. At Baltimore the father soon found work, and both parents became members of that branch of the Presbyterian family called Seceders. These people were intelligent and devout. Hence it proved to be a very pleasant church-home for these "Welsh immigrants. So here, for the time being, the entire family were regular attendants upon the means of grace. This privilege they highly appreciated, especially in a new country, and in the midst of strangers. But here let ua pause for a moment and retiect. In this same city sleep the ashes of Otterbein. Here he lived, struggled, and died. His great soul had just passed from labor to reward. But lo! God is preparing a Welshman upon whom the mantle of this great German is soon to fall. Young Edwards is already in America, and we shall see in the simple story of his life and labors how well and nobly he wrought for the Master's cause in connection with "Otterbein's people." LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 25 In 1823 the family moved to Delaware, Ohio, where the father of Edwards still followed his trade. The parents at once united with the Pres- byterian Church. As no house of worship had yet been built in Delaware, all religious services, including a flourishing Sabbath-school, were held in the court-house. Here the family received the full benefit of spir- itual and general culture through these services. The impulse and means of mental as well as moral culture were thus supplied. Besides, more than the usual care was given to the advance- ment of the children at home. Here they were taught reading and writing, the lessons of mo- rality and religion, and, not least, good manners. The parents had discharged their duty well. They had consecrated their children to God in the ordinance of baptism in the little church at Peny- groise. In infancy they had taught them to pray. They had daily at the family, altar sought the blessing of God upon them. In their tenderest years they had led them to the Sabbath-school. The testimony of Mr. Edwards is, "My parents taught me to pray from my earliest recollection. They also taught me the necessity of a change of heart through faith in Christ. At about seven years of age I was impressed that I would be called to the ministry. From this time I sought 26 LIFE OF BISUOP EDWARDS. the Lord in secret, and led a moral life. In the Sabbath-school, as well as under the preaching of God's word, I would often weep and pray ear- nestly for the pardon of my sins." How beautiful is this testimony compared with the neglect that 80 often shames the relation of parent and child. It was well that these parents had so fully dis- charged their duty, for the husband and father was soon to be taken away. In 1825 Edward Edwards died in great peace, leaving the respon- sibility of the family with the mother and Thomas, the oldest son, who from his occupation as a tailor was able to meet the principal expenses of a frugal living. John and David for the three succeeding years assisted their elder brother in the shop, occupied themselves about home, and took such work from others as they could perform. During this time young Edwards re- ceived only twelve months of regular schooling — all that he ever received in this way. In his riper years, however, by the aid of living men and living books, he pushed forward to a respectable standing among scholars and thinkers of his time. But more of this in another place. At the age of twelve he, with his brother John, entered the woolen-factory at Delaware as an ap- prentice, and began to learn the trade of carding and cloth-drcssiiiir. ;-/ LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 27' All of the hands slept in the factory. The first night when he knelt down at his bedside to pray, as was his custom, some of his companions tossed their boots at him. The next night when he knelt down they said in a whisper, loud enough to be distinctly heard, "H-u-s-h, Dave's a p-r-a-y-i-n." But he gave them no heed, and treated them just the same as before. It was not long until they were ready to show him the utmost respect, and in time some of them fol- lowed his example. After his connection with the factory it appears that his attendance at Sab- bath-school was interrupted. Some ladies came to the factory and solicited five of the boys to attend the Sabbath-school. Three accepted the invitation; the other two refused to attend. One of the two referred to afterward filled a drunk- ard's grave, and the other still lives, a drunken saloon-keeper. Of the three who went to Sabbath- school one became a Presbyterian deacon, another a Methodist preacher of 4arge usefulness, and the third a United Brethren bishop. This is the substance of a story often told, by the subject of this narrative, to illustrate the importance of Sabbath-school work. Young Edwards was full of healthful energy, which often vented itself in boyish pranks. He used not many words in the social circle, but 28 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. always spoke with promptness and to purpose. There is evidence enough even at this early period of his life, that his mind was often exer- cised upon the great problems that have always pressed upon noble natures. But his thoughts and plans were generally kept to himself. His mind was capable of conversation with itself. Nevertheless his companionable character, while working as a factory hand, is attested by the warm attachment and confidence manifested in after-years by those with whom he had been asso- ciated in labor. He continued at Delaware until he was seventeen years of age, receiving but a meager compensation for his work, and that in cloth. But now, having acquired a fair knowl- edge of his trade, he prepared to leave home, and so changed his place of labor. It is not certain that he knew, at once, just where to go, or at what particular place he might find employment. He was heard to say, in after- years, "I felt like doing something more and better for myself." We know too that he lifted his lieart to God in prayer for his protection and guidance. Nor did he pray and trust in vain. It must have been a great trial to the mother to see her boy leave home, "but it seemed for the best." "When the time came to leave, his mother said, "Are you sure, David, that you have money enough to go LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 29 on?" He said, "I have enough." The amount was thirty-seven cents, all told. Here was a chance for the exercise of that faith which so much distinguished him in after-life. His mother now cautioned him against bad company and bad habits; and so, with a mother's blessing, he de- parted. A kind Providence led- him to Rock Mills, about seven miles above Lancaster, Ohio, on the Hocking River. In these mills he found employment, and at once went to hard work. Here the pay was better than at Delaware, but he was away from mother and loved ones. This was not home. " At times," said he, " I felt sad and lonely." Besides, the very things against which his mother cautioned, namely, bad com- pany, and the danger of forming bad habits, seemed now to confront him. In fact his associa- tions at this place put his principles to a severe test. But God was with him. After he had been at Rock Mills about one year he attended a protracted meeting held by the United Brethren in a neighboring dwelling- house, occupied by a family by the name of Graul. At first he avoided all personal connec- tion with the meeting, but was at length deeply convicted, and resolved, as he expressed it, "to commence seeking for life." He joined the church as a seeker, but it was not until after three 30 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. months, May 28, 1834, at a meeting held at Jacob Bolenbaugh's, just a short distance from wliere the protracted meeting was held, that he received a satisfactory evidence of the forgiveness of his sins. The depth of his experience and the energy of his religious life began to suggest to the minds of others, whether God might not have a special work for the converted factory-boy CHAPTER II. The Times — Licensed to Preach — Trial Efforts —Associates — Incidents — First Circuit. 'T is no easy task to take ourselves back nearly a half century, to the time when Mr. Edwards entered upon his minis- terial career; and yet, to understand his M life and labors, it is necessary to take some notice of the times in which he wrought, the living forces that were most prominent in society, and the immediate circumstances with which he had to contend. In 1835, when he iirst looked out upon public life, the population of the United States was only sixteen millions. The frontier line, marking the limit of settle- ment, ran through Michigan, northern Illinois, and Missouri. Wisconsin and Iowa had not as yet been organized as territories. Ohio had looked upon but a single generation. The churches had scarcely adjusted themselves to the great problems that were to be wrought out through the commingling of the nations in the new world. The country was new, and but 31 82 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. sparsely settled, especially in all that vast terri- tory lying west of the Alleghany Mountains. The churches, too, were generally weak, and but poorly organized for work. This was especially true of the United Brethren in Christ. The Church numbered but eight conferences, and probably less than twenty thousand members. At this time, however, no regular records were kept; hence this uncertainty respecting the number of its communicants at the time referred to. United Brethren meeting-houses, in Ohio, could be counted on one's fingers. The Religious Tele- scope was less than a year old. But little atten- tion had been given to the external and indirect conditions of success. No general missionary society, no educational institutions had been es- tablished. The Church had just commenced to pass through that slow and losing process of transition from the German to the English char- acter. But few of its ministers could preach or conduct religious services in the English lan- guage. True, its doctrines and principles were then, as now, thoroughly orthodox, and its meth- ods of work such as were usual among evan- gelical Christians; but these were only formative. Hence the principles and methods of the Church, however good, needed to be stated, proved, and illustrated in pnietical life. This was the one great work to be done. LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 33 Imperative was the call for laborers. Great, too, was the opposition; aud of those who came forward at this time no one has stood, from first to last, nearer the life of the Chnrch, and nearer the center of conflict, than Mr. Edwards. To name his early co-laborers, at least any consider- able number of them, Avould carry us beyond our limits. In the Scioto country, and at large in the Church, men of great self-denial, thorough conse- cration, and excellent powers for the ministry, entered the conferences and wrought successfully for the Master. The omission of particular men- tion of these faithful associates, in this connec- tion, should not be understood as detracting from the high estimation in which they deserve to be held. "Without them Mr. Edwards would never have been what he was. We have seen that his origin was indeed hum- ble, that his parents were poor but respectable, that his early educational advantages were very limited, and that he had no family or social con- nections to lift him into public notice. All these facts have been stated, or clearly intimated. He was nevertheless one of God's noblemen, richly endowed by nature, and, by the power of divine grace, nourished up to a great manhood. At first awkward and disappointing, in time he became easy and assuring in manners. He was 34 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. iu height about' five feet and ten inches, but was never at any period of his life corpulent. His eyes were dark, deep, and very penetrating. The larsreness of his head and chest were also marked features of his personal appearance. But these were only the external signs of the coming preacher, editor, and bishop. He is now about to enter upon a brilliant and useful career, and it is our pleasant task to mark its unfoldings. But let us be true to the facts, and at once recognize the hand of God in every such life of strength, beauty, and excellence. It begins with a divine call to the ministry. It is the peculiar preroga- tive of the great Head of the church to desig- nate men to preach the gospel. All Protestant denominations substantially agree on this sub- ject. In all ages and under every dispensation of religion which God has been pleased to give to mankind, this principle has been recognized. It guided in the appointment of Aaron and his sons to the ofiice of the priesthood, and in fill- ing the prophetical and apostolic oflices. This is the faith and practice of the United Brethren in Christ. She admits no one to this holy ofiice who does not o'ive evidence that he is " moved bv the Holy Ghost to preach the gospel." It is well known that Mr. Edwards held this view as being essential to the validity of the Christian ministry. LIFE OF BISHOP EDWAUDS. 35 f He was often heard to say, pul3licly and privately, that " none are true ministers of Christ but they who are called of God, as was Aaron." Many have heard him relate his own experience on this Huhjec't. It was clear and distinct. His usual way of stating it was, " Soon after my conver- sion, I felt an inward call to preach the gospel." But his extreme timidity was a great obstacle to him. His quarterly-conference license bears date May 23, 1835. So bashful was he at this time, that when his presence was desired in the confer- ence one of the brethren had to go out and con- strain him to come in. On entering the room he seemed not to know what to do with himself. When his license was handed to him he folded it and tucked it in his vest-pocket, not wishing to notice it in the presence of others. Call this a trifle, if you please, but it \ya8 not so to him. But that which appalled him most was the nature and the responsibility of the work itself. Thus weighed down, he cried mightily to God for help; and in the deepest anguish of soul he exclaimed, "The load is too heavy, I can not bear it! Oh, what shall I do?" The local class to which he belonged at this time numbered about one hun- dred members. They had just passed through a most extraordinary revival. A goodly number had been converted and brought into the Church ; SQ LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. and of them six were now licensed to preach. , S The field of labor to which this class belonged was Pickaway Circuit. It embraced twenty- eight appointments, and a single round required four weeks. Rev. M. Ambrose was preacher in charge. One day, meeting young Edwards, he said, "Can you not go at least one round with me on the circuit?" Edwards hesitated. Some of the brethren in the neighborhood urged him to go and make the trial. They said, "If you have been truly called to preach, you have but to open your mouth and the Lord will fill it." So he bought a horse and a small outfit in clothing and went along. The first appointment was at a private house. Mr. Ambrose preached, and young Edwards tried to exhort. He rose and opened his mouth, as he afterward said, "but nothing more unusual than air filled it." This failure, though a too literal view of Bible language, let it be remembered, did not cause liim to lose con- fidence forever in the great truth of the Holy Spirit's help. After his failure, however, he was discouraged, and made up his mind to return home. Darkness, deep darkness, seemed now to settle down upon his soul. But the Lord's hand was in it. It was for the trial of his faith. Of this his brethren reminded him. So, fortunately, he was induced to go on and try again. Mr. LIFE OF BISHOP EDWAEDS. 37 Ambrose requested him to take turns with him- self iu conducting family devotions at the places where they stopped. This he consented to do. So one evening, while leading in the devotions, he became confused, and brought his prayer abruptly to a close, with " Amen and so forth." At other times, too, even in the public congrega- tion, he was known to cut short the difficulty in the same way. Little was thought of the inci- dent just given; but the next morning when the horses were saddled he said in his quick, short way, " Now, I reckon, you'll let me go home. "When a fellow like me gets so hard up in prayer that he has to stop and say ' and so forth,' I think he had better go home and stay there." " But," said Mr. Ambrose, "everybody knows that you bought a horse and started round with me. Now, what will they say if you leave the circuit and go home?" So, after an energetic exhortation, he again suffered himself to be led along, but only to meet difficulties of a like kind wherever he went. He especially dreaded the somewhat wealthy congregation at Dresbach's meeting- house. Here he pleaded off from going into the pulpit. Next day, dejected in spirits, he started home, mourning over his ill success. About half way home he thought of the Wednesday evening prayer-meeting. One of the six young preachers 38 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. before mentioned would have to open the meet- ing, and as he had been away four weeks he would likely be the one called on; and worse than all, improvement would be expected. The thought was not out of his mind except when asleep. He was tempted to stay at home. Then he thought he would go, but go late. Acting upon this, he entered the room, found a back seat, and quickly sat down. Philip Coons, the oldest of the young preachers, rose and said aloud, " Brother Edwards, come this way." Hat in hand, he went forward and said, "What do you want with me?" "To open the meeting, of course," was the reply. Knowing that it would be of no use to refuse, and fearing that he might displease the Lord, he said, "Sing a hymn till I come back." He then went out into an adjoining orchard to pray. Here the cloud was lifted from his mind. He then returned and led the meeting with manifest tokens of the Spirit's help. After the meeting: the brethren commended the im- provement he had made, and said he ought to go another round. These- words of comfort and hope were timely, and did him much good. The Master himself seemed now to say to his hith- erto troubled heart, " Be of good cheer." These lights and shades in the early experience of Mr. Edwards are not here noticed because they are LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 39 new. They are, in a measure, comraon to all pious and sensible young men when just entering upon the work of the ministry. ■♦ In fact they are often the precursors of the greatest excellence and influence. About this time Rev. E. Van Demark was placed in charge of Pickaway Circuit. His colleague having resigned, he asked for the help of Mr. Edwards. This was granted. So now he began itinerant work in earnest, IsTovember 1, 1835. For the six months closing with the iirst of the following May he received only twenty dollars for his services. He was well received on the circuit. Mr. Van Demark set a high estimate upon his young associate, but could not get to hear him preach until, arriving late at an appoint- ment at which they had agreed to meet, he heard Edwards announce his text; and knowing that the young preacher would likely sit down if he entered the room, he remained at the door and heard him through. At this time he was hard to follow in a sermon. His utterances were rapid and often very indistinct. Words did not seem to flow, but rather to rush along in broken fragments. His ideas, however, were sound and logical. This all intelligent persons could readily discern. Worldly people sometimes made unfa- vorable remarks on account of the above-named 40 LIFE OF BISUOP EDWARDS. defects; but the pious were never discouraged, even by the poorest of his eflbrts. It is to be remembered that at this time he was but nineteen years old. During this year, he having failed, according to his own view, in one of his Sabbath- morning efforts, and having an appointment in the Ortman neighborhood at night, discourage- ment almost overcame him. Thomas McGrady, with whom he was stopping, found him lying upon the ground, on a hill some distance from the house, trying to die. He felt that he could not preach; and he asked the Lord to take him away. His standard of the preacher's qualifica- tions and work was so high that no ordinary success could satisfy him. There have been a few men in the world incapable of mediocrity, and Mr. Edwards was one of the number. The labor of the year was quite successful, resulting in a number of revivals. He was very studious, always carrying with him a New Testament, Kirkham's Grammar, and other books. He stud- ied much on horseback, and so occupied himself with his books at stopping-places that he was regarded by some as very poor company. His senior colleague assisted him in grammar until the student outstripped the teacher. Often was he found upon his knees in the woods, beside a log or a tree, with his Testament spread out LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 41 before him — for it Was by prayer and study that he sought the meaning of the "Word. In 1836 he became a member of Scioto Conference, and from tliat time he made the fortunes of the Church his fortunes. The United Brethren in Christ were then a feeble band, residing mostly in the rural districts of Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Ohio. Mr. Edwards knew nothing of these humble people at this time, except from what he had seen of them in a very few localities; for they had no history, and were entirely un- known to fame. He said, " Those of them that I had met seemed humble, spiritual, and devout; and this pleased me. I then read carefully their book of Discipline, and found them evangelical in doctrine and thoroughly opposed to the spirit of the world." " A sincere love of a pure church- fellowship, shown in their opposition to slavery and all secret orders," he said, " especially pleased me." So he said, " These are the Lord's people, and I will go with them." How true he was to these convictions and to the church of his choice we all know. The next year the conference placed Mr. Edwards on Brush Creek Circuit, along with Kev. John Eckert, a foreign German, of good abilities and long experience in the ministry but not very agreeable in his habits and manner of life. Hence it was feared by some that young 42 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. Edwards would suffer by being thus associated with one so aged and peculiar in his methods of work. But this fear was not well founded. His rare good sense and piety led him to accept the situation, and so go to work in earnest. At that time Brush Creek Circuit was large, extending through the greater portion of Highland, Adams, and Brown counties. It was at least three hun- dred and fifty miles around, and embraced twen- ty-eight regular appointments, which had to be filled by each preacher ever}'^ four weeks. It is easy to see that the work must have been very laborious. It was also quite successful. Mr. Edwards received for this year's work fifty-five dollars, all told. It was during this year that he preached for the first time before his mother. Many preachers can tell what a trial that involves. His text was I. Peter iv. 18: "And if the right- eous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? '* He succeeded, as he thought, quite well. lie was, however, anxiou& to know what his mother thought of the sermon, and gave her opportunities enough to tell; but she said not a word. When at length others drew from her an expression of opinion she said, " There was terror enough in it." These simple and quiet words of his mother made a deep and abiding impression on his mind. He acknowl- LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS, 43 edged many times, in after- years that this an- swer had much to do in changing the tone of his preaching. In referring to it he said, ""When I commenced traveling, such was my zeal that I expected to drive sinners to Christ by scare, — mainly by urging the terrors of the law and the awful retribution which awaits the ungodly. Thus armed, at it I went; but to my great astonish- ment and confusion I found that I beat the church and the congregation to death, in many instances, by the very means which I expected would revive and save them. We must preach the terrors of the law, to be sure; but the law can not save. The gospel alone can do this." So we see it took some time for him to develop into the unctions gospel-preacher. There was, in fact, a gradual unfolding of all his powers. No premature ripeness stood in the way of a vigor- ous and sustained maturity. He early habituated himself to orderly methods in preaching. Nor did he even in exhortation depart from this rule. To this we must ascribe much of his power in the pulpit and on the rostrum. It is needless to say that all the leading members of the confer- ence watched the progress of young Edwards, with great interest. Notably among these may be mentioned Benedum, Hastings, Ambrose, Han- by, Coons, Montgomery, and Van Demark. These 44 LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. have all been called from labor to reward except the last one mentioned, who at this writing still lingers among us, waiting for the chariots of Israel. Father Benedum, of precious memory, fell asleep in Jesus the same year that Edwards traveled Brush Creek Circuit. His loss was keenly felt. At the conference of 1837, Van Demark and Edwards were once more associated in work and placed on "Winchester Circuit. They were mutu- ally pleased at this, and so went to work at once. The circuit extended through portions of Frank- lin, Licking, Pickaway, and Fairliold counties. It was about four hundred miles around, and in- cluded thirty appointments, which were to be filled by each preacher every four weeks. They traveled this large circuit on horseback. The people were poor, with but few exceptions, and of course could not do much for them in the way of support. But, trusting in God, they went forward, and were generally provided for. At the beginning of the year they entered into a covenant to give themselves to prayer and the study of God's word, so that they might be more .successful in leading sinners to Christ. Their prayers were answered and their labors greatly blessed. Mr. Edwards did not spend his time in cheap talk; nor was he disposed to listen very LIFE OF BISHOP EDWARDS. 45 long to the gossiping stories of others, as the fol- lowing incident will show: In making his first round on Winchester Circuit, he stopped with a family somewhat addicted to this vice. The good lady of the house went on to tell him of a quarrel that had taken phice between two of the mem- bers of the church. He listened awhile, and then said, " Stop, mother, stop; I do not want to hear any more of it. I hav