At the age of nine years, I was convicted of sin and of the necessity of a change of heart, to fit me for the good world of which I had often heard my [89] parents speak. But I strove against the good Spirit, until the fear of death and of doing wrong left me. My early convictions had however impressed me for life. At twelve I sought religion publicly, but to no purpose; I had not confidence that God would forgive my sins; I could not help doubting His promise, "Ask, and ye shall receive" [Matthew 21:22]. A number of such promises came to my mind, calling on me to exercise faith, but it seemed impossible.

      I attended church, prayer-meetings and camp-meetings frequently, and derived much benefit from these means of grace. Time fled and left me older in sin. Early in 1848, I resolved to make a vigorous effort to conquer self at the foot of the cross, and thanks be to God for the blessed change that then took place! No one needed to tell me--I knew and felt the change, and realized that "God is love" [1 John 4:8, 16]!

      My religion caused me to love every soul; all things appeared new, and the Bible became a light to my feet as it had never seemed before.

      I soon learned the commandments and duties of the Christian believer. Very soon after, with three brothers, I was baptized by Elder A. Megrew, and united with Christ's people, among whom I hope to remain. I do not feel like tiring of the cross, and would not yield my hope of Heaven for all the world!

[THW 89-90]