In my youth I was frequently convinced of my sinfulness and the necessity of doing better, but neglected to attend to the things that make for the happiness of the soul, till nearly grown up to manhood.

      The first incident which I remember as having roused me to considerable alarm, was the drowning of a young man, in my presence, near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in the year 1827. And after that, I was very deeply convicted on the occasion of the conversion of a brother in the seventeenth year of his age. I date my conviction, that led to conversion to these two circumstances. Life uncertain--death certain; [159] and then the possibility of a preparation to make life happy and disarm death of its terrors, these considerations led me to resolve upon a change in my conduct and life.

      While under this pungent conviction, and enquiring what I must do to obtain peace to my soul, my mind was directed to the conversation held by the Saviour and Nicodemus, when Jesus said, "Ye must be born again" (John 3:1-21). I saw and felt the necessity of this new birth, or change of heart. Then I heard a sermon preached from the subject of Daniel being cast into the den of lions (Daniel 6:1-28). Looking at the case of that servant of God, I was encouraged to turn to his God; and now the Spirit strove with me the more, until I submitted my heart to its influence. I repented of my sins and renounced them; and trusting in Jesus for forgiveness, I soon found Him precious to my soul.

      I was converted at the age of nineteen and baptized two years after. I have been endeavoring to serve the Lord about thirty years, amidst many difficulties, and find His grace sufficient for all cases of need. My delight is still to be engaged in His service, and proclaim to my fellow men a free salvation for all who seek it in God's own way.

[THW 159-160]