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will ever be sweet to my memory.
I attended their school until I was
in my 14^th year, when my dear Mother
placed me in the S^rs house at
<placename>Ockbrook</placename>, - where, after a few weeks,
I became exceedingly happy and
comfortable, - the life of a S^rs house
being well adapted to my naturally
cheerful, yet somewhat reserved
disposition. <gap></gap>
In the beginning of <date>1837</date> I received,
with several others of my companions,
instruction for confirmation, or rather
in my case for adult baptism.
My dear Mother being a <orgname>Baptist</orgname>
I had consequently not received
that sacrament in infancy. <gap></gap>
But I cannot say that either the
instructions, or the rite itself, made
any lasting impression on my mind.
I enjoyed the instructions, as I did
imbibing knowledge of any kind that
came in my reach. <gap></gap>
<sic>Unawares</sic> almost to <sic>my self</sic>, I formed
my own views on the way of salvation,
& as might be expected stumbled upon
many errors. At one time I was
seeking fruits of the Spirit, instead of