I thank God that I can testify, that "the Son of Man hath power on earth to forgive sins" [141] (Matthew 9:6). I trampled God's mercies for twenty years, but never had a truly happy hour in the service of the devil. About ten years ago I repented of my sins, and gave my heart to God, to serve Him all my days. Some of my unconverted relatives denounced and threatened to disown me for this; but I put my trust in One "who sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24); the Friend who died on the cross to save His enemies; for He can help me in health and sickness. But after they found that I was resolved to "cease to do evil, and learn to do well" [Isaiah 1:16, 17], their opposition gradually wore away: and I fondly hope that many of them will yet return to the Lord and be saved.

      I have had many temptations to endure, and at times was almost persuaded to give up; but then I remembered that I could go to none other than to Christ for succor, when fresh joy would spring up in my heart, and His grace sustained me. It is my soul's desire to get to heaven and meet my friends there, to wear the crown of righteousness forever.

[THW 141-142]