This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1894 edition. Excerpt: ...is not to be described. The time had evidently arrived when a public profession of Christianity was indispensable, if I would be indeed a disciple of Jesus, and be established in the faith. Fully convinced of my duty, I went to the Christian friend to whom I have already referred, and told him the circumstances in which I was placed. He entered into my feelings, repeated many of our Lord's injunctions with regard to stedfastness, and urged the importance of my declaring my faith to the church and to the world. It was a critical moment; my state of mind was such as none can fully realize but those who have experienced it. He who searches the heart and trieth the reins was almost the only one who knew of my faith in Jesus; for unlike my brethren of old, of whom it was said, 'this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, while their hearts are far from me," my heart was with Him, though my tongue seemed unwilling to confess it. But, on reading the account of Philip and the eunuch, the words 'What doth hinder?' seemed a rebuke directed to me from above, and I now resolved no longer to stand aloof from the comforts of the Gospel, which are only ours while in the path of obedience, and through Divine assistance, to stand or fall under the banner of Christ, and to be ready to suffer, if called to it, for His name's sake. "After this I took the first opportunity of communicating my wish to an esteemed minister, who for some time had taken an interest in my welfare, and under whose instructions I had been gradually taught the doctrines of Him whose name I once regarded with abomination, but whom I now saw to be the chief among ten thousand, and altogether lovely. The day and hour were in due time fixed for the administration of the...