Beginning of Public Labours
23
mind; these I afterward sought out and prayed with. In every instance
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but one these persons yielded themselves to the Lord. Some of our
more formal brethren feared that I was too zealous for the conversion
of souls; but time seemed to me so short that it behooved all who had
a hope of a blessed immortality and looked for the soon coming of
Christ, to labor without ceasing for those who were still in their sins
and standing on the awful brink of ruin.
Though I was very young, the plan of salvation was so clear to
my mind, and my personal experience had been so marked, that, upon
considering the matter, I knew it was my duty to continue my efforts
for the salvation of precious souls, and to pray and confess Christ at
every opportunity. My entire being was offered to the service of my
Master. Let come what would, I determined to please God, and live
as one who expected the Saviour to come and reward the faithful. I
felt like a little child coming to God as to my father, and asking Him
what He would have me to do. Then as my duty was made plain to me,
it was my greatest happiness to perform it. Peculiar trials sometimes
beset me. Those older in experience than myself endeavored to hold
me back and cool the ardor of my faith; but with the smiles of Jesus
brightening my life, and the love of God in my heart, I went on my
way with a joyful spirit.
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