From infancy to the age of about twelve years, I was favored with the prayers, instructions and example of a pious mother. Subsequently my father embraced religion; and both are now dead. In my youth I kept out of the company of the profane; and in forming my character, I tried to live so as not to have cause to be ashamed of my fellows wherever I might go.

      When about twelve years old, I had my first [211] serious religious impressions, and comprehended the doctrine and felt the necessity of a change of heart. I well remember the first revival that was ever known in my native place, the village of Lisburn, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, when a congregation of young people was called together, which was addressed by Elder John Winebrenner. Here the melting strains of Calvary were poured into our souls. It is impossible for me to describe my feelings. During that reformation I presented myself at the mourners' bench for prayers. I was soon disburdened of my load of sin, and realized that peace, of which the Apostle Paul speaks, "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1). But being young, and deprived of the instructions of my pious mother, I became careless again, and remained so till about my eighteenth year, when my mind was again aroused; but now I had a hard struggle with unbelief. Sometimes I thought there was no mercy for me. With such feelings I frequently attempted to approach God, at the mourners' bench, and prayed whole nights. My constant inquiry was, "What must I do to be saved?" Many persons gave me instruction; and some told me their experience, and said, unless I felt as they had felt, I would not get along. I at length concluded to take no man's experience as a guide; but feeling myself guilty [212] before God, at another meeting, I sought the Lord with a broken heart, and found peace in believing.

      I continued trying to serve the Lord, and occasionally exercised in exhortation, until I was impressed with the call to go into the gospel field. I have, since the commencement of those labors, not found any satisfaction except in the work of the ministry. I have spent about twenty-five years in preaching the gospel, and I feel a greater interest in the conversion of sinners than in anything else. I have seen the work of the Lord prosper, and the turning of many from the ways of sin. My desire is to spend my days in laboring with the Church of God, till the Master shall be pleased to release me from earthly duties, when I hope to join the saints above in the ascription of endless praises to His holy and adorable name.

[THW 211-213]