I had moral parents. At the age of nine, I was taken to a Methodist camp-meeting, where, laboring under serious feelings, I commenced to pray. I was made to feel that I was a sinner. I recalled my childish errors, and repented of them, when I felt a peculiar change of heart. I joined in the hymn "I [85] am happy in the Lord!" and shouted for joy. I was then taken in the church, and endeavored to lead a holy life.

      But on reaching the age of sixteen, the follies and pleasures of the world stole upon me, and I lost my peace with God, and upon being falsely accused of trifling actions, I left the church, contrary to the advice of the kind pastor.

      I married, several years after this, and with my husband lived a sinful life, till I was twenty-seven, when God gave me peace a second time, but at home.

      My refusal to confess Christ publicly, was the cause of renewed gloom upon my soul, until at a meeting in Woodbury, Pennsylvania, held by Elders Jacob Lininger and Wm. H. Mullinix, my shamefacedness left me, and I confessed the Lord both in word and deed. I was baptized.

      My subsequent career was full of occasions when I quenched the Spirit, and denied the cross. I became lukewarm, and again penitent, and finally gained courage sufficient to speak of Christ before the world, and exhort sinners to repent.

      Since that time I have endeavored through much weakness and trial to serve God aright. Two of my children have died happy in the Lord. My greatest anxiety now, is the salvation of others near and dear to me. I have hopes of eternal life, which I want them to share.

[THW 85-86]