The first striking incident to which I can refer, as a means leading me to conviction, was a dream. It appeared to me that the day of Judgment had come, and that Christ had come to judge the world. I found that I with thousands of others was on the [156] broad road to hell, and I thought I prayed God to spare me a while longer, and I would serve Him. I then awoke from my sleep with a full view of hell before my mind, as though I had seen it with my eyes. O, what horror to my soul! Conviction commenced. I began to pray and to read the Bible and seek for peace with my God. This I did in secret, not wishing any person to know it; hence my prayers appeared to be in vain. After a while conviction partially left me, and I passed along with the world, experiencing occasional strivings of the Spirit. I thought I had a desire to that which was good, but tried to keep it a secret; but it was all to my sorrow.

      At length I came to the conclusion to go through the usual course of catechetical instruction; and after that was received as a member into the church, but had not received the pardon of my sins. I still felt that all was not well with my soul. At last my lot was cast in a place were experimental religion was preached; and a revival of religion commenced. After I had heard of several conversions I attended the meeting. An experience meeting was given out for sabbath morning, and I resolved to attend it, and there tell before God and man what experience I had passed through.

      Sabbath morning came, and the people crowded [157] the house of worship. The disciples of Jesus began to speak of the wondrous work of God. I sat and trembled; my load of sin was so heavy upon me I thought I could not rise to my feet. But the Lord helped me, and I arose, and spoke: but I had said but a few words, from a broken heart and with a contrite spirit, when God for Christ's sake spoke peace to my troubled soul. I found indeed, that "Whosoever confesseth Christ before men, him will He confess before His Father which is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32); and that "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). My load of sin was gone and I felt strong in faith and love towards God.

      All things appeared quite different now; and O! how lovely the people of God looked. That blessed day I shall never forget while life shall last. My soul feels to praise God for free salvation, and that we can know for ourselves when we are born of the Spirit (John 1:12, 13; 3:3-8). There was no more a doubt upon my mind concerning, my religion; and at this time my evidence is clear. To God be all the praise. And it is no longer my desire to keep my religion a secret to myself, but I am willing to testify to all around what the Lord has done for me. Nor am I ashamed to pray; but Jesus is my chief delight--in sickness or in health [158] Jesus is my helper, "the life, the truth and the way" [John 14:6].

      One great reason why I love to serve the Lord, is because my soul feels so free in His service--there is no condemnation in the two service of God.--My first convictions came on when about ten years old; but I was not converted until in my twenty-fifth year. I have now been in the service of God for about seven years, and my desire is to spend the remainder of my days in his service.

[THW 156-159]