I was convicted of sin when about eleven years of age, and knew, if I should die, I would be lost. I often promised the Lord that I would do better, but put it off from time to time, until I was in my sixteenth year, when it pleased the Lord to let me be laid on a bed of affliction; and there I made a solemn vow to God, that if He would restore me again, I would forsake my evil ways, and devote my [146] life to His service. He restored me, but I again procrastinated, waiting for a "more convenient season" [Acts 24:25]. I was again deeply convicted, when I felt that if I did not now pay my vows to God, He would cut me off and "give me my portion with the unbelievers" [Luke 12:46]. I then came to the conclusion that I would seek the Lord. I commenced the work, and sought Him publicly and privately, with a soul miserably distressed, often feeling to say with the poet:

      In the year 1850, I attended a camp-meeting, in my seventeenth year, for the express purpose of receiving a blessing to my soul, and sought for it day, and night; but it was all in vain, and I had to go home without a change of heart. The enemy of souls now tempted me with the suggestion that I had sinned away my day of grace. At times I was afraid to shut my eyes in sleep, lest I might wake up in hell.

      But I was determined not to give up seeking pardon, and thought if I perished I would do so praying. I attended another camp-meeting; and on the way I promised the good Lord, that if He would set my poor captive soul at liberty, I would obey all His commandments and over own Him before the world. I presented myself at the altar and prayed for some time, when all at once I thought I saw the lake of [147] fire open before me. I told a number of the persons standing around, that I feared I was doomed to hell, and ceased praying, my heart being as hard as a stone. I cannot describe my wretched feelings on the next day. One of the brethren conversed with me and pointed out some of the promises in God's word, which encouraged me to pray again. I asked the Lord to give me a heart to feel, and my prayer was soon answered, and I was enabled to cry for mercy. And, glory be to God, on the evening of that day He graciously spoke peace to my poor soul! O for a tongue to express the peace and happiness I then enjoyed! My soul was filled with glory, and my heart exclaimed, Hallelujah to God! the victory is won! I was soon after baptized. Since that time I have been trying to serve my divine Master, by the aid of His assisting grace, and am resolved to spend my life in His service.

      "Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in the glory of God."--Romans 5:1, 2.

      "I am the way, the truth and the life."--John 14:6. [148]

[THW 146-148]