[From an interesting narrative of some length, detailing the gradual progression of a soul toward truth, we are reluctantly obliged, from want of space, to publish only the following abridgement.--ED.]

      I was born in 1822, and early sent to a Presbyterian sabbath school. But, leaving school while yet young, and contrary to my parents' wish, I strayed about among bad boys, learned to smoke and chew tobacco, and imitated the boldest in cursing and blaspheming my Maker's name. A dream of the Judgment Day affected me greatly; but when my trembling was over, I grew worse, and scarcely spoke a sentence without some shocking imprecation.

      For a while I attended other schools under faithful teachers, but wasted the golden days of youth! until with increasing years I grew ashamed of my ignorance, and resolved to begin the learning of wisdom. I begun to read the Bible, Self Knowledge, and other good books. But a little learning and the influence of new companions led my mind toward a belief in Romanism and then to a belief in nothing.--[68] Atheistical works and the tongue of the scoffer made me a wretch indeed. O! what mercy that God's Spirit followed me through this black history! Universalism was my next resort, as I became alarmed for my soul, but this specious theory was not satisfactory to my reason or conscience. Reaping the harvest of early wickedness, I grew most miserable, and wished I had never been born.

      But the flax was beginning to smoke.

      During a general revival of religion in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which I watched, yet affected to despise, Rev. John Winebrenner solicited me to publicly seek salvation. I trifled with the entreaty, and to outward eyes was careless, but my mental anguish was painful. The Spirit strove with me. Once, at the Lutheran church, a favorite hymn was sung, of which this is the last line,

      Four years afterward I remembered only this line, but it broke my heart, and I often wept. A feeling of child-like confidence began to spring up in my heart, I tried to pray, attended church, studied the Bible, and longed to enjoy the favor of God. I did not know my path. Blind, I was led by an unseen hand. All this secretly. But no peace came to me.

      I gradually attended catechetical lectures and prayer-meetings, and was asked to unite with the church, but declined until I could see my way more [69] clearly. At last I began to see the Truth, and to pray daily and more earnestly to know it as it is in Jesus. I trusted more in the words of the Saviour.

      A union revival meeting was held in the Lutheran, German Reformed and Presbyterian churches, alternately, to which I went, and received much benefit. The sufferings of Jesus for me brought me to tears.

      Light dawned on me. I felt that my sins were forgiven!--not for aught I had done, but for His loving kindness sake; it was the effect of the pure compassion of God. Thenceforth I grew in grace and knowledge, and took delight in God's service, yearning and laboring to save souls from the horrible pit.

      I cannot describe the temptations that followed.

      But I was greatly strengthened by the Scripture: "--the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us" [Romans 8:18]. I united with the church of Christ, under the full persuasion that "he that taketh hold the plow and looketh back is not fit for the kingdom of God" [Luke 9:62], and have never regretted the step, but I have sorrowed about my unfaithfulness and lack of zeal. My desire is to live altogether according to God's word--not trusting in my own righteousness, which is as filthy rags, but in the righteousness of God, which is unto all and upon all who believe in our Lord Jesus Christ--to whom be glory and honor forever. Amen.

[THW 68-70]