His [Bangs's] brother-in law moved into
the Settlement [of Niagara] about this time [1799], and
received him as a lodger. His sister was a devout woman, and
had already been instrumental in the salvation of another
Brother. John Bangs, on taking leave of the parental home at
Stamford [New York], to go out into the world, was, he says,
"accompanied some distance on the way by a pious and devoted
sister; when about to part, she held me by the hand and
seemed unwilling to let me go. I looked into her face and
beheld the tears coursing down from a countenance impressed
with sorrow and anxiety. I could not think what was the
mater until she said, 'My dear brother, remember that if you
die in your sins, where God and Christ are you never can
go!' She turned away from me and passed on." This parting
word, he adds, "wounded" his heart; "a thunderbolt" could
not have struck him with more effect. He became a laborious
and successful preacher of Methodism. This sister was now in
the wilderness of Canada, a guide and comforter to her
brother Nathan, before whom the same career was about to
open. They communed together, as brother and sister only
can, respecting his spiritual struggles and hopes. He
records the consolation he received in these conversations:
"I resolved," he adds, "to devote myself wholly to the
service of God, come what might." He began practically to do
so.