"My youth was spent in the service of sin. The first serious conviction I ever had was at the theatre. I felt much concerned about my soul's salvation. In 1842, I heard Rev. J. N. Maffit preach from the text, "Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord. Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool" (Isaiah 1:18). I could not escape the power of the truth. At last I was convinced that I was a lost, undone sinner. I said, I will throw away my puny arms of rebellion, and become anything or nothing for the sake of Jesus Christ. My sins appeared to tower mountain high, and the pains of hell had got hold on me. I read the fifth chapter of Matthew, and claimed the promises. I could then view Christ on the cross, and kneeled at His feet. I determined to forsake all for Him. At midnight, in my room, I had a hard struggle with the adversary of my soul, and said to him, get thee hence, Satan, my soul belongs to Jesus, for He has purchased it with His precious blood. I then felt the Spirit of the Lord descending into my heart, when I exclaimed, Thou art mine forever! and I shouted praises to God until I was exhausted." [80]

[THW 80]