An orphan of seven years, I was placed in a praying family. Here I soon felt the influence of faithful prayer, the preaching of the gospel, and Sabbath school instruction. But as years increased, I became callous, and remained a sinner, going from bad to worse. In 1846, I attended a camp-meeting, but paid no attention to its religious services. But my conscience was in at ease; and when the meeting was about to close, I seated myself against a tree, to behold the parting scene. Nothing could have affected me more deeply; the tears flowed profusely; I resolved to sin no longer. It was this incident that led to my most permanent conviction, and finally to a change of heart, but not until I was willing to confess my sins before God and man. For eighteen months I tried to lead a different life; I desired to be a Christian, but secretly. Considerable time was spent in secret prayer; but fear, pride and the devil, prevented my open profession of repentance. At last my increasing anguish aroused me to public action for deliverance.

      "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" was Elder J. Beidler's text, March 9, 1848. The response, [53] "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved" [Acts 16:30, 31], was the only promise for redemption. I threw myself at the mourner's bench, and prayed for peace. "Through faith" I was led to "the Rock that is higher than I" [Psalms 61:2], and became one among the many living witnesses for Jesus Christ and the religion of the Bible. In testimony of my resurrection from death unto life, the first available opportunity found me in the watery grave, being "buried with Christ in baptism" [Colossians 2:12], having the promise in Mark 16:16.--Furthermore, I followed the example of humility described, exemplified and sealed with promise by Christ, in John 13:4-17.

      I have suffered much affliction of mind and body since, but found great comfort in reading the Bible, particularly the following passages: Psalms 34:7; 5:11, 12; Genesis 5:1; Proverbs 11:18; 3:34; 2 Corinthians 12:9. I derived courage from the words, "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Revelation 2:10). My pungent convictions commenced when I was eleven, but I have been trying to serve God only nine years. May He keep me faithful!

      "Remember thy Creator in the days of thy youth."--Ecclesiastes 12:1. [54]

[THW 53-54]