The first thing that moved me was the preaching of God's word; it excited my feelings upon the condition of my wicked heart. The death of an associate added gloom and terror to my reflections. But I struggled against my convictions of sin and resisted the Holy Spirit, for a long time. At length I went to a camp-meeting in Cedar County, Iowa, and after a hard struggle, assisted by the prayers of the pious, I obtained relief at the foot of the cross. The love and joy that now illuminated my soul, far exceeded the labor to obtain them; my heart was full of bliss.

      Never have I regretted my enlistment in the army of the Lord. "A friend in need is a friend indeed." He has indeed been a friend to me. I was sixteen when first alarmed about sin, and seventeen when converted and baptized. I have found my strength in faith to increase in proportion to the alacrity with which I perform my Christian duties.

      "If ye love me, keep my commandments."--John 14:15. [52]

[THW 52]