They know all about it; they are filled with the spirit of prophecy. why do they not come in our midst? Because the time has not came. Why do they not lift up their voices in the midst of our congregations? Because there is a work for us to do preparatory to their reception, and when that is accomplished, they will accomplish their work, unto whomsoever they desire to minister . . . they can show themselves unto whatsoever person or people they choose. The very reason they do not come amongst us is because we have a work to do preparatory to their coming, and just as soon as that is accomplished they are on hand; and also many other good old worthy ancients that would rejoice our hearts could we behold their countenances, and hear them recite over the scenes they have passed through, and the history of past events, as well as prophesy of the events to come. How great and precious are the promises of the Lord contained in ancient revelation!Following Pratt's talk, church members who had experiences with unidentified messengers began to identify such visitors as being one, two, or all three of the Three Nephites. A study published in 1947 found that, out of seventy-five recorded appearances of the Three Nephites, only six occurred before 1855. Various other church leaders began to make mention of the Nephites in their talks and discourses, and the legend grew among members across the settlements. Folklore The story surrounding the Three Nephites began to capture the attention of the outside world near the end of the 19th century, when it was mentioned in The Folk-Lorist, the journal of the Chicago Folk-Lore Society, in an article written by Reverend David Utter of Salt Lake City in 1892 about Mormon superstitions. The origin story of the Three Nephites and their subsequent sightings were later mentioned in various journals and publications throughout the 20th century. As with all Mormon folkloric stories, the tale of the Three Nephites spread quickly throughout the world, given the growing global missionary presence. Three Nephite folklore has been studied by folklorists William A. Wilson, David Utter, Wayland Hand, Hector Lee, Austin E. and Alta S. Fife, and Richard Dorson. Many similarities have been found between the story of the Three Nephites and those of John the Beloved and the Wandering Jew, as well as various other