JT-08-1814

1814

About the first of June, 1814, I was led into a more serious, honest, deliberate and general consideration of religion, and its various duties, than had ever before revolved in my mind. I now contemplated religion to be entirely spiritual and pure. I was rationally convinced, that the surrounding sects were deluded, and, that I was a better imitator of them, than of the precept and example of the meek and lowly Jesus! It was shown to me, that I had greater things to do, than I yet had done, and a heavier cross to bear. I would have to bear a full and faithful testimony against Anti-Christ, and against the pride and fashion of this world; both by precept and example. The article, and the manner of dress, came into view, and was considered no small thing. A white dress, so frequently mentioned in the Scripture, indicative of the bride having made herself ready for the marriage; and the innocence and purity which should characterize every minister of Christ, was the one evidently dictated for me. My mind was seriously exercised, and daily oppressed with what I took to be the "burden of the Lord." My soul became like the troubled ocean. My hours of sleep were disturbed, and the business of the day, often interrupted by the agitation of my feelings. My flesh grew lean, and my appetite failed. I was impressed with the duty of preaching, after the example found in Mark 6th, and Luke 10th; and that I should deny the present fashion of dress, both as relates to cut and color, and particularly to refuse black. I was impressed to wear white, to represent my traveling in great tribulation, to meet with those who are clothed in white around the throne of God.

October 29th, 1814, I removed my family to Shenandoah county, near Woodstock, and commenced a school there, the term of six months. About the first of December, I received a letter from Carolina, stating that my brother had sold my possessions there, and retained my note! O! the treachery and deception of man!