When very young, I felt determined to be good, so as to get to heaven. My mother taught me prayers. [56] But such a thing as heart-felt religion was not known in our neighborhood.

      It so happened that some brethren of the Church of God and of the Evangelical Association came and preached in our vicinity, and with such blessing that a great revival occurred. My parents became converted, and took me with them to preaching and prayer. When I first heard the story of the cross, it affected me greatly--I felt willing to suffer death for the dear Saviour who had undergone crucifixion for me and all the world. In this grateful condition of heart I remained some time, still without evidence of peace with God. I prayed and worshiped, but did not enjoy hopes of heaven. O how I desired that I might in truth say, the Lord hath blessed my soul!

      But after I got to know the plan of salvation more fully, that not by works alone, but through FAITH in Christ, man receives pardon for sin, I believed every word; I had nothing of my own to give; I pled guilty, and cast myself on His mercy alone. God then blessed me! O! who can tell the joy of the Christian?

      After the Lord had blessed my soul, I vowed to be faithful till death. This I shall never forget; because I know if I forsake Christ, He will forsake me, and I shall bring reproach on His cause, lose the comforts of religion, and at last lose my soul and be [57] prevented from resting with my Saviour, whom I love. Having promised that He will be with His children till death, I have confidence in my Master's word, and claim His promises as mine, ever looking forward to the crown of victory at God's right hand, with all my brethren and sisters who have gone before. Our God fights for us; hence I have been enabled to make my way thus far heavenward.

      I was thirteen years of age when I embraced religion, have been a member of the Church of God nineteen years, and still feel willing to bear the yoke of Christ. Let me live the life of the righteous, and "let my last end be like his" [Numbers 23:10].

[THW 56-58]