The example of a pious father, and being taught early to read and believe the word of God, had a great influence on my life in my younger days, so far as morals were concerned; for I feared to swear abruptly or wilfully break God's holy day. But in riper years, on going into the world amongst the wicked, I became very sinful, until at the age of about twenty years, when I was suddenly taken down with a fever, and my life was despaired of by my parents and physician. Earnest petitions were sent up to God for my life. I recovered; and the truth and Spirit of God took hold on my heart, and I vowed fidelity to the Lord. The angel of peace seemed to speak to me audibly, "You shall live--your work is not finished." It was some months before I was fully restored. For a time the enemy deceived and led me on in my sins, until death took away my beloved father, and a brother and sister. I supposed I was to be the next victim.

      Conviction seized upon me anew, and I determined to renounce sin, and seek salvation through Christ. I commenced at a family altar, and in secret prayer, and continued for six months. Then there was a [185] special meeting held, and I attended it. The minister held forth Jesus as the only Saviour, prophet, priest and king, which I verily believed. At the close of the sermon a class-meeting was held. And while I was speaking, the cloud was removed, and light broke into my poor soul, and I was very happy, in knowing that my sins were pardoned. I now had "peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" [Romans 5:1], and a living hope of heaven.

      From my first starting, my trust was in God, believer, all His promises to be yea and amen (2 Corinthians 1:20.) My confidence in His word was so grounded, that I desired to obey in keeping all His commandments. After some time I was baptized, and then united with the Church of God, until I felt a call from God, to call sinners to repentance, about ten years ago. During the last seven years I consented to leave home, wife and children, to preach Jesus and the resurrection.

      Prior to obeying the call to preach, I became prostrated in health, and everything appeared to go backward. But since I have been obedient, my health has become good, and my soul established in God; and I hope to continue in His service and with His people, till He calls me from my labors to reward. I ask an interest in the prayers of all God's children.

[THW 185-186]