About four years ago I was powerfully wrought upon by the Spirit of God, at a camp-meeting, held by the Methodists. It was at this meeting that I [40] received the conviction that resulted in my conversion.

      The passages that aided me most in my struggle for salvation, were the repeated invitations in the Gospel; such as the following: "And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me, shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst" (John 6:35). "If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the Scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37, 38). "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Revelation 22:17). Also, "Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk, without money and without price" (Isaiah 50:1). And "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls" (Matthew 11:28, 29). "Him that cometh unto me I will in no wise cast out" (John 6:37).

      I was particularly encouraged to persevere in trying to obtain the pearl of great price, by this passage:--"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy [41] closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret, and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly." When I studied this passage, and considered from whose lips it fell, I thought surely, He would verify His promise, which He has since done.

      My conviction commenced at the age of ten, but having none to counsel me, I remained in sin seven years longer, when it pleased God to convert me.--For several years I have endeavored to serve Him, and am still encouraged to persevere in the heavenly journey by the promises of my Saviour, who proffers eternal life to as many as obey Him. My first light and conviction were received in Sabbath school.

[THW 40-42]