Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-08-29
j JACK SONS ,-rRELIGION
A Statement Of How He Made Religious
Profession.
Fears That His Motives Might De Mis-
Interpreted Prevented Him From
Taking This Step Earlier.

to the editor of the St.. Louis Globe-Demo-
c1at, as follows:
You published in q recent issue of your
paper an account of the celebrated duel be-
tween Gen. Andrew Jackson and Charles
Dickinson. which was fought on Friday,
May 80, 1906. Though credited TO another,
the account, In all particulars, agrees with
that given by James Parton in his life of
Jackson.
propose to present the character of Gen.
Jackson in another and very different as
pect, and one which should command a
higher admiration than all the laurels civil
and military. that ever adorned his brow
1 refer to Jackson's religious life and ex-
perience
The account I shall give Of this is subject
to the same remark made above, that 1t
confirms the accuracy Of Parton's version
Both he and l drew Information from
the same source-Jacksons spiritual ad-
viser, his intimate friend, sharing his con-
fdence in the later years of his life as
largely as any man in the world.
1t was under his ministry that Jackson
was received into the church, and he de-
livered the funeral discourse over his re-
mains.
That man was the honored and beloved
Rev. J. T. Edgar, pastor for nearly thirty
years Of the First Presbyterian Church OF
Nashville, Tenn. He was my father-i n-law
family to Nashville, as his guests, he relat-
ed to me the circumstances connected with
the generals profession of religion and his
uniting with the church. The impression
made upon my memory is SO distinct that
l believe can repeat the conversation al
most literally.
Scene in the Church.
There was sacramento meeting in
progress at the Hermitage Church, little
brick edifice on the public road in view Of
and about half mile distant from, The
Hermitage, which was erected chiefly, If
not exclusively, by means furnished by the
general many years before he made pro-
fession Of religion, in order to crafty the
desire of his wife, devotedly pious wo-
man, to enjoy the exercises of the sanctu-
airy.
Nashville. DR.. Edgar conducted services
on Saturday, the day before the administra-
ton of the Lords supper. The general &C.
cuped very conspicuous seat, one very
near the pulpit. The church was crowded
by ne.ghbors and friends who had known
him longest and most intimately. The in
tenSty of interest shown by the general as
the services progressed was noticed by all
present, and by none more than DIR. Edgar.
AT the conclusion DR.. Edgar hastily mount
ed his horse to return home. Tie general
followed rapidly in his carriage. AS he
drew rear he put his head out of the car
riage window and signaled the doctor to
stop. The general said: "Dr Edgar, you
must go home with me and take dinner
The doctor replied that he could not, as he
was under promise to return to Nashville
that evening. With more aarnestness Jack
son repeated the invitation, stating that
there were very special reasons for giving
1t. The doctor said he had promised to
return that evening to the bedside of a lady
member of his church who was very i'll.
Evidently disappointed, the general gave
his assent, on condition that the doctor
would breakfast with him the next morn
ing. he particularly desired a confer
ence with him before the hour for services
at the church.
Jackson's Request.
DIR. Edgar reached the Hermitage shortly
before breakfast. He was received by Mrs.
Jackson, wife of Andrew Jackson. jr., who
told him that the general had passed q
very restless night and that she did not
think he had undressed or even lain upon
the bed. In the chamber adjoining she had
heard him walking the floor and signing all
through the night On entering the cham
Der of the general, DR.. Edgar was inform
ed by him that he had urged his invitation
the day before because ne had seriously
thought of connecting himself with the
church. but had heretofore been prevented
from doing so by the recurring excitement
of political campaigns. Now that his po
ltical career had ended, his mind. more
p!ation of the end of his earthly existence,
which, in the course of nature must be
near. He had asked for the conference in
order that he might act advisedly in apply
ing for membership in the church. He
therefore earnestly requested DIR. Edgar
to subject him to the examination that
might be required by the church, and that
1t be made exhaustive. He regarded it as
a matter of profound Importance, and
wanted to know distinctly the ground on
which he stood. He had never leen false
to his fellow men, and would not be to his
Heavenly Father.
Dr. Edgar proceeded to examine the gen.
eral touching all the cardinal doctrines of
revealed religion, such the plenary in
spiration the divine authority Of the holy
scriptures, the depravity of our human ma
ture. the atonement by the Savior, the
operation of the holy spirit and the new
birth effected thereby. After thorough
examination on these points. which was
most satisfactory DR.. Edgar said: Cen
eral, there is one other point upon which
l feel 1t to be my duty to interrogate you,
but feel some embarrassment in doing So
The general replied that in matter of
such vast importance he wished full
knowledge of every step and to be probed
to the core.
ForSave His Enemies.
Thus assured. DR.. Edgar said: General,
you have had a very stormy public life,
during which you have been fiercely as
sailed by enemies, personal and political,
and doubtless you have thought very I'M
justly assailed. Can you, do you feel that
you have freely forgiven your enemies?"
The general was silent moment, and said
that he freely forgave his enemies, per-
sonal and political, but the enemies of his
poor, dead wife, who had been slandered
in her grave he did not feel, in justice to
her memory that he could forgive. DIR.
Edgar said the Injunction laid upon Us by
the blessed Savior to forgive our enemies,
to pray for them, is positive and admit-
ted of no exception. To this the general
made no reply for a considerable interval,
during which he seemed in great mental
distress. Then, DIR. Edgar related, the
whole expression of the countenance
changed; a sweet, heavenly smile tllumined
his face, and the general said: Yes, 1 do
forgive, and ask Gods forgiveness of every
one toward whom l ever felt hostility"
He accordingly presented himself for men,
bership in the church that day, and for
the first time sat at the sacrament table.
DR.. Edgar stated TO me that he was
never more thoroughly convinced OF the
genuine piety of any one he had ever re-
ceived into the church.
I was reared UNDER the shadow of the
Hermitage. My father and its sage were
contemporaries in war and politics. was
taught from childhood to revere Jackson's
name and fame as next to that of the ia
Their of his country" I have seen many