x + y = z

Front matter

•

X + Y = Z.

From a photography taken when in his peculiar sleepy by C. C. Giers, Nashville, Tenn., April 27, 1876,

Chapter I. Page

Sketch of the Early Life of Rev. C. B. Sanders.— His Conversion. — Becomes a Preacher. — First Development of Preternatural Powers. — Mrs. Harlow's Statement. — Mental Phenomena Progressive and Involuntary. — Physical Suffering 19

Chapter II

Rev. C. B. Sanders' Marriage. — Family. — Character. — Afflictions.— Testimony of the Misses McCaa. — Of Rev. Mr. Higginbotham. — Treatment by Physicians. — Repugnance. — Submission — Newspaper Notice. — Peculiar Signature. — Dr. Thach's Statement 85

Chapter III

Recollections of Rev. M. B. De Witt. — Letter Reported. — De Witt Crossing the Fence. — Pruit's Testimony. — Reflections. — Cases by the Author. — Gold Coin found. — Death of Lieutenant Mc- Clure. — Dr. Blair's Testimony. — Cases by Mr.

PAGE

Brown and Wife. — Burning in Salisbury. — Testimony. — Farm Described 56

Chapter IV

Reminiscences, by Rev. M. H. Bone. — Mrs. Donnell's Statement. — Finds a Watch Chain. — Cases by Mrs. Vaughan and Patterson.— Death of Miss Strong. — His Sick Family. — A Negro turning Somersaults. — Dinner Chit-chat. — Statement by a Colored Woman. — Tricks of a Rat. — Statement by Mrs. Burke and Shoenberger. — Miss Banks Struck by Lightning. — Cases by Mrs. Searcy. — Death of Dr. Sheffy. — Writing Poetry. — Miss Hardie's Statement. — Death of a Minister. — Major Woodroof's Testimony of Character. — The Doctor's Patient 91

Chapter V

Letter of Rev. N. T. Power. — What he Witnessed. — Cases by Captain Hampton and wife. — Surgical Operation. — The Lunatic. — Attempted Trade. — Statement by the Carter Family. — Writing a Letter. — Finding a Pencil. — Statement by Mrs. Wooton. — Her Letter Copied. — Cases by Mr. Buchanan. — Secret Troubles. — Partnership. — Conversation. — Covenant. — Diagnosis. — Mrs. Judge Marks' Statement. — Reading French. — Rev. M. H. Bone's Statement. — A Sermon Reported. — Copies Mitchell's Letter. — Rev. R. M. Tinnon's Statement. — Extract from a Speech Reported 115

CONTENTS. XXI

Chapter VI. Pagb

Pruit's Testimony of Character.— Esquire Bentley's Lost Keys.— Dr. Shelby's Statement. — Tells the Time.— Statement by Thach and White.— Finding Money. — Statement by Dr. McDonnold. — Diagnosis. — Statement by Dr. Metcalf. — A Riotous Man. — Statement by Rev. J. Campbell. — Finding a Nickel. — A Man's History. — Thach and White's Statement. — Shooting in the Dark. — Statement by F. H. Peebles. — Finding Money. — Certificate of Mr. Crosno and Others. — Coin Dropped from the Train. — Dr. Cowan's Certificate 143

Chapter VII

Officers of Ewing Chapel. — Testimony of Character. Conversation Reported. — Gold Coin Found in Maysville. — Mrs. Smith Scalded. — A Sermon Reported. — Dr. Ross' Statement. — Reflections by Rev. H. R. Smith.— X + Y = Z gives Notice of his Departure. — His Valedictory. — Various Opinions of the Cause and Nature of his Phenomena. — Opinion of X -+- Y = Z. — His Illustrations. — Sanders' Experience since X + Y = Z Left.— The Close 168

ItfTKODUCTIOtf.

The adage, "Truth is stranger than fiction," is strikingly exemplified by the facts recorded in this volume. These facts, which are both mysterious and marvelous, are the result of human capacities, physical and mental, abnormally, if not preternaturally or supernaturally exercised. Facts, not given on the uncertain authority of mere rumor or gathered from the columns of newspapers; nor on the ipesdixit of the writer of this book; but, facts related by living witnesses, who speak the things they know, and testify that which they have heard and seen.

!N*or are they published on the testimony of one or two, or at most a very few witnesses, but on the testimony of a large number ; which also could have been increased by hundreds;

14: INTRODUCTION.

and not by these, grouped together in one immediate neighborhood; but scattered in various neighborhoods, communities, and sections of country. Not by witnesses unlearned, ignorant and vicious ; but by men and women of intelligence and some of ripe scholarship ; witnesses of unblemished moral character and many of them of the highest standing for religious integrity.

These witnesses were not suborned nor bribed ; but gave their testimony openly and cheerfully, without compensation, or promise of reward. A majority of them could have furnished other similar facts to those given. The address of these witnesses is given, if any should wish to seek further information from them.

As far as human testimony can establish the truth in any case, so far the facts in this volume are unquestionably established. Such testimony, by witnesses, so numerous, so scattered, without consultation, and in ignorance of what each other would testify in nearly every

INTRODUCTION. 15

case, reporting facts occurring through such an extended period of time, and all corroborating the same mysterious capacities of the hero of this volume, would, it seems, impress an unprejudiced reader that it would be a greater stretch of credulity to believe the witnesses were all insincere, incompetent, or deceived, than to believe the truth of their statements, however strange or mysterious they be.

Again ; attention is called to the fact that these phenomena took place under almost every variety of circumstances, for the space of about twenty-two years ; at home and abroad ; by day and by night, and at all hours of each ; being involuntary with the subject of them, as well as while he was in an unconscious state ; without any previous arrangements of screens properly adjusted, closets fitted up, rooms darkened, select witnesses called in, and at special times appointed ; but wherever he happened to be, sometimes when few were present, at others, when many were wondering spectators.

16 INTRODUCTION.

We call attention also to the fact that Mr. Sanders at no time has lived many miles distant from the home of his nativity. And though these mysterious spells have been most closely scrutinized ; and his remarkable developments have been carefully investigated as to their reality, by those who were wholly incredulous, and also by those who were greatly prejudiced against him on this account, and eagerly sought an occasion to expose what they considered humbuggery ; yet for the space of about twenty-two years, during which these phenomena have occurred almost daily, in no instance has he been detected in dissimulation, fraud or charlatanism.

Again ; such was his consistent Christian life ; his gifts for usefulness ; his consecration to the ministerial work, (as far as health and circumstances would permit,) and the good fruits of his labor that " the Presbytery of Tennessee," a large and able body, advanced him, from step to step, until he was invested with the high and responsible office of the gos-

INTRODUCTION. 17

pel ministry. And until this day his standing as a member of his Presbytery has been maintained without blot or reproach; and he has shared all, and the highest honors in the gift of his Presbytery to bestow.

X + Y = Z

Chapter I

Sketch of the Early Life of Rev. C. B. Sanders.— His Conversion. — Becomes a Preacher. — First Development of Preternatural Powers. — Mrs. Harlow's Statement. — Mental Phenomena Progressive and Involuntary. — Physical Suffering.

Rev. Constantine Blackmon Sandeks, the son of James and Rebecca Sanders, was born in Madison County, State of Alabama, about sixteen miles north of Hunts ville, on the 2d day of July, 1831. His mother, who is still living, says she is a native of Lunenburg County, State of Virginia. Her father's name was Coleman, who came to, and settled in, what is now Lawrence County, Ala., in 1817. Her husband was a native of the State of

Georgia, and was a soldier in the United States service in the war of 1812. He came to North Alabama, one or two years before she did. They were married on the 19th day of August, 1819, just one or two months after the State of Alabama was organized. They had ten children, eight girls and two boys. Constantine was the younger boy and seventh child. His father died when he was in his sixth year. His mother is still a widow.

Mrs. Sanders, being left with but little means, was able to afford but a very limited education to her numerous family of children. But as a faithful Christian mother, after the death of her pious husband, she endeavored to train up her children in the way of industry, honesty, truth and piety. Nor were her unremitting efforts without manifest good results. Her children, with one exception, in the days of their youth, became Christians.

Constantine lived with his mother, and labored on the farm until he was a full grown man. From his mother, and others, who knew him during the days of his youth, we learn that he was dutiful to his mother, kind to his sisters, moral in his habits, and avoided association with the vicious. His temperament w r as cheerful ; and he had considerable fondness for music. From his early childhood his mind was much interested on the subject of preaching the gospel. And he was in the habit of preaching juvenile funeral sermons over dead chickens, pigs, etc., and baptizing the boys, both black and white ; and, on this account, was often familiarly called " The Preacher."

On the 5th day of September, 1851, he went to a revival meeting at a country church, some twelve miles north of Huntsville, Ala., and during the religious services became so deeply interested that he presented himself at the altar for prayer and instructions ; and before the exercises were closed at the night service, he made a public profession of the Christian religion ; and on the next day, at the same place, joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a member of the Concord congregation. He at once became an active worker in the cause of religion ; and on the 8th of October, 1852, upon his application, was taken under the care of the Presbytery of Tennessee, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, as a candidate for the gospel ministry, was licensed to preach October 5th, 1855, and ordained March 22d, 1862. At the time he joined Presbytery he could scarcely read and write. Until the spring of 1854, he still remained with his mother, laboring for her support, having attended school during this period about four months. In the spring of 1854 he entered a school at Elkton, Giles County, Tenn., taught by Captain F. 0. Barbour, and boarded, in connection with other young men, in the family of Mr. A. M. Harlow, deceased, then living about two miles from the village.

In this school his application to study was close, his progress nattering, and his prospects for the future, in regard to qualifying himself for the ministry, were encouraging Up to this period, his health had always been good,

THE SLEEPING PREACHER. SSd

and he had a well developed, vigorous, robust body, and constitution.

But in the midst of these favorable circumstances, his course was checked by an attack of sickness, when he had been in this school about three months.

MRS. HARLOw's STATEMENT.

The first developments of mental phenomena and peculiar physical stiff ering.

" In March or April of the year 1854, Rev. C. B. Sanders commenced boarding in nry family, and attended the school, taught by Captain Barbour, at the village of Elkton in our vicinity. At this time he was a candidate for the ministry. He soon became familiar with, and attached to our family ; and we treated him as if he had been one of our sons.

" Though at times he had spells of mental trouble, yet, in the main, he was quite cheerful. "When he had been with us about three months, he was taken quite sick of a flux. And when he had so far recovered as to be able to begin to walk, he was taken down with typhoid fever, and confined to bed again for several weeks. During this confinement, he was seized with occasional convulsions, affecting at times his whole system, but especially his arms, chest, throat and tongue. He also complained terribly of his head. Often would he exclaim :

" ' It surely will kill me.' On one occasion he said :

" l My head feels like it has opened.' " Taking my hand with his, he placed it on his head, when, to my astonishment, I found what appeared to be a separation of the bone, nearly wide enough to bury my little finger, ranging from above his eyes near the center of his forehead to the top of his head, and from the top down towards, and near to each ear. The opening increased in width as it reached the top of the head. This condition of his head I saw frequently. "When the paroxysms would subside, Uie openings would nearly close up. The attending physician told me that he gave him as much quinine as would hare been sufficient for nine men, with but little if any effect.

" During the time he was with us, previous to his sickness, he at times acted, as we thought, somewhat strangely, but we did not then suspect that he was subject to the peculiar mental conditions that were afterwards so fully and frequently manifested.

" He would frequently, in his room, engage in singing, praying, and exhorting, as if he were in a congregation. On one occasion, while in the hall, he remarked to me, ' There will be a burying here before to-morrpw evening ' (it being then in the afternoon,) * but it will not be any of your family.'

" About one hour after this, a gentleman (Mr. McNeely) rode up, and requested the privilege of burying a corpse in our private cemetery on the next day, which was granted.

" This death occurred some three miles distant, and we had not even heard, and I am confident Mr. Sanders had not, of the sickness, nor death of the individual. , "Mrs. Mary A. Harlow."

Near Elkton, Giles County, Tenn., June 30th, 1876.

REMARKS BY THE AUTHOR.

This statement of Mrs. Harlow is interesting and important in the history of Rev. C. B. Sanders, from three considerations.

First. It gives us the beginning of his remarkable mental phenomena, the records of which make up the body of this book.

Secondly. It also furnishes us with an account of the beginning of those remarkable physical afflictions to which, in some respects, he has been subject ever since.

Thirdly. It corroborates a statement often

made by Mr. Sanders, when in his peculiar

mental state, that his physical afflictions are

,not the cause of his mental phenomena, but

vice versa.

Mrs. Harlow is a lady past the meridian of life; has long lived at her present residence,

THE SL E EPI N G PE E A C 1 1 E B. 2 i

and is regarded by her large circle of acquaintances, as a woman of high moral and religious worth. Mr. Sanders, from this time, for years, was subject to frequent attacks of cramping, and was unable, in consequence, to devote himself to his studies.

It is impossible to give the reader an adequate idea of how he was affected mentally and physically. In regard to the mental phenomena there was from their incipiency a manifest progress. Not only in regard to the topics of his conversations, but also in regard to seeing, hearing, and the distance of the range of objects, of sounds, etc.

The things he saw were at first, never at any great distance ; but were about the premises where he was, or at the farthest in the immediate vicinity, or surrounding neighborhood and country. But as years rolled on, his observations were extended, from time to time, to distances more remote, until they seemed to reach, not only to the most remote parts of the earth, but also even to the planets. So likewise, to some extent, it was the case with regard to his hearing. These facts were evinced not only by his oral declarations, but also by his written memoranda.

Again, in the earlier part of his peculiar history, his conversations were mostly confined to religious subjects, such as exhortations, prayers, and expositions of texts. In the process of time he talked much of diseases and remedies; giving a diagnosis of particular cases, when the patient was not present.

His writings, at first, were short articles, a few lines, or a few sentences ; sometimes poetical effusions, generally on sacred subjects ; but at a more advanced period, his writings increased to extensive volumes on different subjects; — "Scripture Exposition," " The Life of Christ," " The Times of Christ," " Sermons," " Oriental Antiquities," " Journeyings of the Children of Israel," " Biographical Sketches of the Apostles," Diseases and Remedies," etc.

At first his writing, as far as known, was altogether in the English language ; but afterwards in various languages, though normally he knew nothing of any but the English. In the earlier stages of his developments, so far as known, he walked but short distances, but of late years there is good evidence that he walks considerable distances, in a remarkably short time. Many of these peculiarities will be illustrated in the details of facts published in this book.

This peculiar state which is involuntary in its recurrence, is not usually heralded by any premonitions, visible to those who may be present. He may be taking part in social conversation, when all at once, if looking at him, you will see his eyelids fall, and his head droop ; at the same time making a slight but audible noise through his nose, which may be called a grunt, usually repeated in quick succession two or three times, and he is asleep. The spell may continue for a few moments; a quarter, a half hour, or an hour, or a number of hours, a day, or a night ; or a day and night; or several days and nights ; or a week ; or even several weeks, without an interval of consciousness.

When in ordinary health, without bodily fatigue, or any strong or exhausting mental excitement, he cau be easily aroused to consciousness, when he first goes into this state, by giving him a shake, or by slapping him w T ith the hand. In coming to consciousness, he seems to be momentarily surprised ; and his body is slightly affected, as if lightly shocked by a galvanic battery.

When under the more favorable conditions of body and mind, upon his going to sleep, by immediately waking him up, he has been enabled to keep awake for many hours in succession, though there was a constant inclination to go to sleep. As a general rale, the longer the spells are protracted the more intense are his sufferings. So also when he is engaged in the more profound investigations, or is extending his vision to the greater distances ; or his emotional powers are exercised intensely ; under these circumstances, his head is always greatly affected, as described by Dr. W. T. Thach, in another place.

There are manifestly various degrees in these peculiar states. When not suffering much, he is more social, more disposed to answer questions ; his mental powers are more than ordinarily lucid. In this condition, he will sing and play on instruments of music. It is very interesting, pleasant and generally edifying to be with him in such a case.

It is not at all uncommon for those present to spend hours, even until late at night, with him, as it were spell-bound by his captivating conversations.

As a general thing, in cases of increased, but not extreme suffering, his mind is more occupied with religious subjects than ordinary, often giving expression to the most exalted views of the divine character, and the government of God ; of Jesus Christ, and the gospel plan of salvation ; manifesting the most unshaken confidence in the authenticity, inspiration and divinity of the Holy Scriptures, and all the grand and glorious doctrines thereof : the unity of God; the trinity of the Godhead; man's fall and depravity ; his freedom, and responsibility to God ; the atonement of Christ ; its infinite merit, its universalit} T , impartiality, and freeness ; the necessity of repentance, of justification by faith, of regeneration and adoption by the Holy Ghost, to n't man for, and entitle him to heaven ; the importance of good works and a holy life in order to please God, to do good and be useful, and as the ground of the gracious reward of the saints in heaven. The doctrines of the immortality of the soul, the resurrection of the dead, the general judgment of angels and men, by Jesus Christ at the end of the world, the eternal glorification of saints, and the destruction of the wicked from the presence of God and the glory of his power forever. In a word, he never betrays any skepticism, nor the slightest taint of heresy.

In these religious effusions he often is endowed with such an unction and pathos, that those present are moved and melted to tears; christians are comforted, encouraged, stimulated and strengthened ; sinners are awakened, instructed, and in many instances, have embraced Christ, and afterwards manifested by their reformation and godly lives that they were savingly converted. Scores of persons, of whom he has a list, have claimed " The Sleeping Preacher," as the instrument of their conversion. In these exercises, sometimes continued for one or more hours, his remarks are, at times, of a general character ; at others, personal and pointed.

It is a notorious fact, one often spoken of by those who have been present, that he has never been known to speak unguardedly, to say anything imprudent, unchaste, offensive, or that has resulted in harm to any one whatever.

In these sleeps his eyes are generally closed, but there are instances in which they are as wide open as when awake. In this case, if he is free comparatively from suffering, one not acquainted with bis peculiarities would not likely suspect that there was anything unusual in his condition.

But in a case of extreme suffering in his head, his eyes are not only open, but he ceases to wink altogether, or very seldom.

As to his physical sufferings, a great deal might be written, as to all their peculiarities ; but as much will be said by those whose statements we publish, we deem it necessary to mention only a few facts. From the time of his first spell of cramping, as stated by Mrs. Harlow, until the fall of 1859, he had a great many spells. He knew nothing of them, generally at least, only as they were reported to him, as he w T as almost invariably "asleep" during the paroxysms ; he was conscious however, in some instances during the spell or before it would close. During this period, we know but little of his history. He lived rather a retired life, in consequence of his frequent spells.

Chapter II

Rev. C. B. Sanders' Marriage — Family — Character — Afflictions. — Testimony of the Misses McCaa. — Of Rev. Mr. Higginbotham. — Treatment by Physicians. — Repngnauce. — Submission. — Newspaper Notice. — Peculiar Signature. — Dr. Thach's Statement.

On the 29th day of October, 1856, he was united in marriage with Miss Duanna A. White, of Madison County, a most fortunate marriage. In her he obtained a wife whose affection was pure and abiding. Adapted by nature, discipline, affection and grace to be the untiring, watchful, constant, quiet, uncomplaining and loving ministering angel to him, in all his afflictions by day and by night. In a recent conversation, she impressed me with the remark that, though she had spent many a sleepless night in watching and ministering to her (as it often seemed) dying husband, yet she never felt anv inconvenience from it, in attending to her domestic duties during the day following. They have a family of six healthy children, of more than ordinary promise.

We will now introduce the statements of some persons whose testimony is given in reference to what they saw, heard and knew.

The following is the statement of the sisters, Miss Sophia, Miss Jane and Miss Sarah McCaa, viz. :

That they have known Kev. C. B. Sanders from his youth. Miss Jane was present when he professed religion. From the time he became subject to his peculiar afflictions, each of them was often present and witnessed his terrible sufferings, and his remarkable exercises during, what were commonly called, his "sleeps" — (i. e.) his singing, praying, preaching, etc.

During a camp-meeting at Concord church, in September, 1859, while he was engaged in an earnest public exhortation in the altar among the penitents, he was suddenly seized with a convulsion, fell to the ground, and

THE SLEEPING PEEACIIER. 37

passed into his peculiar sleep, from which he did not recover consciousness, except it might have been with short intervals, for many days, if not weeks. As well as remembered, about one week after this attack, while his life was despaired of by all who saw him (for the whole neighborhood pretty much was with him daily), Miss Sallie left him for home at sunset ; thinking he could live but a short time. About ten o'clock that night a messenger came, with the request from Mr. Sanders, for Miss Sophia to visit him at once ; which she did, for he lived on an adjoining place. On her arrival, she found him up and rejoicing. As she entered the room he said with great emphasis, "Aunt Sophia, 1 have got clear of the cramp. I will never have another." Pie spent nearly the whole night rejoicing. While suffering in these spells he would cramp severely, with his head drawn until his face would be almost reversed ; his hands drawn immovably, sometimes, against his chest or throat; feet and legs twisted almost in the opposite direction from their natural position ;

3S x + y = z ;

and he would gasp as if every breath would be the last.

It is a remarkable fact that we have never seen or known, or heard of his having another spell of cramping since the one above men tioned. They also bear testimony to his good character as a gentleman and christian, and as a popular and useful minister of the gospel.

" In testimony of the truth of all the above statements, we subscribe our names, this-»8th day of June, 1876, Madison County Ala.

"Sophia McCaa.

" Jane McCaa.

" Sarah McCaa."

These highly esteemed ladies live in the vicinity of Hazel Green, Madison Co., Ala.

The following is from Rev. Mr. Higginbotham, of the same immediate neighborhood as the above :

" Madison Co., Ala., June 8th, 1876.

" I certify that I have known Rev. C. B. Sanders from the year 1847, and was intimately associated with him until within the last few years. He was a youth of noble bearing, having as many natural good traits of character, such as truthfulness, good morals, good will to every body, industry, kindness to his widowed mother and his sisters, as any other of my acquaintance. I was laboring in the meeting when he professed religion. He made as bright a profession as I ever witnessed.

" As far as I have information, the first attack of his peculiar affliction occurred while he was at school at Elkton, Tenn. After he was brought home, for years I was often present when he was so severely cramped for an hour or two at a time, that it seemed impossible for him to live. His whole frame would cramp ; and it is impossible for me to give an adequate idea of his bodily contortions and sufferings.

" In 1859, he was living near me. I witnessed the scene at the camp-meeting, stated by Miss Jane McCaa, and was with him also, when he was suddenly relieved of his last cramp. As well as I remember, it was late in the evening. Mr. Sam Townsend (deceased) and I were sent for, as it was thought Mr. Sanders was dying. When we arrived lie was terribly cramped, and it seemed as if every gasp would be the last, when suddenly he rose up and exclaimed, ' It is gone} Reappeared to be entirely relieved, and was filled with joy inexpressible. As far as I could judge, his consciousness was now T restored. I soon returned home.

" On the next morning he came to me in my field, and told me that it was shown to him that he would never have another spell of cramping. Since then, I have not known, or heard of his having another spell of it. I regard Rev. C. B. Sanders as a true Christian gentleman, as a minister of high standing, of much usefulness, and of more than ordinary ability.

" J. B. Htgginbotham."

That which is most remarkable in the foregoing statements is the fact that he declared emphatically that he would never have another cramp. From that time until the present he has had no return of this particular affliction. He said to Eev. Mr. Higginbotham that " It was made known to him that he would never have another spell of cramping." We do not undertake to explain how this was made known, nor to explain any of the remarkable phenomena in his history, but simply to give the statement of the facts, as attested by the witnesses. I add, he has often, in allusion to the fact above stated, remarked, " I saw it " (the cramp, or cause of it) " go away. It went up through the top of the house. It was the ugliest thing I ever saw."