In the year 1851 a meeting was held where I resided, by Elders Joseph Glenn and William Davis. I attended this meeting, and heard several sermons preached, but to little effect. During the protraction of the meeting I had a very serious and impressive dream:--I saw a light shine down from heaven, and it resembled the rainbow, the one end standing upon the floor of the meeting house, and the other reaching up to heaven. I put my hand to it, but could feel nothing. I was told that that was Jacob's Ladder, and if I could go up that ladder, I could get to heaven.

      The next day one of the preachers delivered a forcible sermon on faith, when I plainly saw that faith was the substance of the above named dream.

      I passed several days with great solemnity, when I had another dream, that made an impression upon my mind. The next evening I attended meeting again, when a sermon was preached from the text, "Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way-side,--some upon stony places,--some among thorns,--and some into good ground" [Matthew 13:3-8]. Whilst listening to the sermon attentively, it appeared to me that every word had [131] its effect upon me. It seemed to me that every joint in me would fall apart, and that my muscles and bones were perfectly useless.And whilst sitting in this helpless state, a person came to me and asked if I did not want religion. I answered, yes. He then invited me to come forward to the altar. He conducted me thither, and I prayed and wept until the meeting closed, without finding peace.

      On returning home, and retiring to bed, I continued praying; when, in the dead hour of night, when all was silent, the good Spirit appeared to say to me, "Pray on." And that so encouraged me, and strengthened my faith, that in an instant I felt that I was a new creature in Christ Jesus. After this change had taken place I attached myself to the Church of God, and amidst weakness and failings I have ever since been endeavoring to serve my Maker. Blessed be His holy name.

      "And he [Jacob] dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God--I am with thee, and will keep thee," &c.--Genesis 18:10-22.

[THW 131-132]