About the close of the year 1855, whilst attending a protracted meeting, held in a school house in Kosciusko County, Indiana, by Elders David Keplinger and William Hood, I came to the conclusion that I would seek and serve the God of Daniel--the God who rescued him from the jaws of the ferocious lions, unharmed. The meeting had been appointed for some time prior to its holding, from which time I was warned by the Spirit of God, to change my course, and trample His mercies no longer, as if unworthy of my notice. I knew that I was living in wilful disobedience to the divine law, and saw, that unless I would yield to the present warning, there might not be a ray of hope left for me. I had, prior to this time, been repeatedly warned in different ways, but heeded it not. For a long time I had occasionally felt a desire to be a [136] Christian. But up to this time I had not put my desires into practice.

      I was nearly twenty-seven years of age when my last convictions commenced; and I shall ever remember the evening after Christmas, of this year: for on that evening (it being the one before my birthday) I sought and found favor with God in Christ Jesus. Since that time I have been trying to do His will, and I ask an interest in the prayers of the Lord's people, that I may be able to hold out faithfully, and grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth.

      The following passages of Scripture led me to the exercising of a saving faith in Christ:--"Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). "And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils" (Luke 8:2). "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). "But God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). These, among others, were mentioned to me by the brethren who labored with me, whilst struggling for salvation from sin.

      The passages of Scripture found in the following [137] places, hare cheered me on my way thus far, namely: Matthew 5:8-10; 7:8,21; Mark 16:16; John 3:36; Romans 8:35-39; 1 John 5:10, 11.

[THW 136-138]