said that if there were any body else, they would have no objections in being ; they said if Mr [George G.] Cookman would say it was true, that they would obey the of baptism immediately— I showed them it was no way to risk their salvation, on Mr. Cookman— but they wished I would go and see him— and <​I​> offered to do so provided they would accompany me, and introduce the matter in due form; but they backed out, Well you know I sd. I would not stop untill I got through & am not through yet. I went to bed, thanked God for his goodness to me, & resolved to do any thing, that would further the cause, or plant the seed in <​this​> wicked, and adulterous — then I goes and hunts out this Golia[t]h of Methodism (Mr. Cookman), I wrapped at the door, was ushered in with much form, when I very poli[t]ely told him my business; that I had glad tidings of great joy, and he stood and gased [gazed] as though I had been an Angel— He then begged lief [leave]— to introduce his pious friend, (Mr. Wait), and also his wife, which I admitted; I began to tell him by littles, and he asked me to <​if​> I would argue the point, from the Bible; I said amen to it, and we went at it— He, at first, acted like a Gentn., but soon turned black, & awful; looking like a Demon. I kept a steady course, keeping my temper— prayed God to uphold me, and he did it in such a manner, as I never experienced before— I was afraid at first, asked God to strengthen me, and he did it; he showed himself to me, and sent help in time of need, He (Mr. Cookman) could not quote a passage of— scripture right, nor knew anything about the Bible at all; all he could say was, you are deluded you are a fanatick you are crazy, and demanded a sign— The Apostles & Prop[h]ets come on purpose to show a sign, & they— were no longer needed; but Jos. Smith must let me take a Rattlesnake & hold it to him, to bite him— then if he lives I will believe; but he is an imposter, a fanatic and a child of the Devil, & you are another— I begd. him not be so hard, as I preached nothing but the [p. 120]