I had plenty of time for meditation and prayer, and my thoughts were
naturally concentrated on my deplorable condition all the time. My past
life came up in review before me, and while sorrowfully wandering
through the woods I would compare myself to persecuted Christians in the
days of the apostles and the early evaneglists. The blessed Savior was
persecuted in his very infancy and had to be hid by his parents. They
had to flee for life; I was fleeing for liberty. What had I to complain
of? Jesus was with me and would protect me. God had delivered him from
the very tomb of death; why need I fear? With these reflections in my
mind I would feel revived and refreshed with the consolation that while
there was life in me there was hope for me. The words of the poet came
to my memory, wherein he says:

"Neither will he upbraid you,
Though often your request;
He'll give you grace to conquer,
And take you home to rest."

The consolation and help I received from my meditations sustained me
through all my trials and hardships, and I plodded my weary way along
with God in my heart and bright hopes for the future. I knew if I drew
nigh unto God he would draw nigh unto me; and that if I would let the
word of Christ dwell in me I would be rich in all wisdom. Yet I was
aware I should suffer persecution if I lived godly in Jesus Christ;
therefore I determined to continue in the things which I had learned.

On Sunday night I arrived at Holly Springs. Uncle Ben lived there, and I
was anxious to see him and obtain through his assistance, if possible,
rest and food. I had proceeded only a little way toward his house when I