My parents were Presbyterians, and took pains to raise me in that faith, in the then wilds of Indiana County, Pennsylvania. In my youth I passed through a number of dangerous scenes, in which the mercy of God preserved my life. My moral training caused me to lead a moral life, though I was unconverted. I [209] was frequently led to meditate upon God, and heaven, and the banishment of the wicked from the presence of the Lord, which reflections cost me many tears.

      When about seventeen years of age, I came to the conclusion that I would give my heart to God. A camp-meeting was held in the county where I lived, and I attended, but intended to be a mere spectator. The first evening Elder D. Wertz preached. That was enough for me till the next evening. On Sabbath Elder J. Dobson preached from the words, "Enter ye in at the strait gate," &c., (Matthew 7:13, 14). Then many began to inquire the way, for they were savingly awakened; and some of my old companions were smitten by the arrows of truth, and I beheld a number of them, like blind Bartimeus of old, crying, "Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me" (Mark 10:47). Others tried to escape conviction, by leaving the ground. My heart was still unwilling to yield, and I said with a sort of triumph, They haven't got me yet! After a while I began to reflect upon past times, and the change that had taken place with many, and my conscience told me that my condition might be greatly improved.

      On Monday evening I sat down and counted the cost, and came to the conclusion that I would enlist in the service of God; and blessed be the Lord, on Tuesday evening, the 29th of August, 1842, at the [210] altar, I felt the power of the life-giving word, and the pardon sealed. I shall never forget that place; for it seems to me a sacred spot.

      I now began to feel for others--my friends and neighbors; but my youthfulness caused me to fear the task of exhorting, them. I commenced to read and pray, and to consider the character of a gospel minister, desiring to be fully convinced of it, if the Lord designed that I should be a preacher of the gospel. Seeing my duty clearly, I commenced to exhort, and hold prayer meetings, until the church opened the way for me to labor more extensively.

[THW 209-211]