Keenly feeling his father's disappointment and displeasure, John instinctively turned to his mother for sympathy. Mrs. Davis stepped to his side and with a fond caress said:
"Thank God you have made this choice; I shall do all in my power to help you."
"Thank you, mother dear. I believe you understand me, and know how sincere is my desire to do what I can for my fellow men.
"I do so long to lead some of them to Christ; for many are wandering in darkness, just waiting for some one to reach them a helping hand.
"In deference to father's wishes I shall take a vacation; though it can by no possibility alter my determination. On my return I shall begin active work without delay.
"I have education enough to preach the simple truths of God's love. I wish to preach to sinners, not to saints. I shall ask no salary and have no denomination. My Church will be Christ."
After tenderly embracing his mother, during which the souls of mother and son united in a prayer to the Most High, John bade her "Good night" and retired.
The following week found John on his way to South Dakota, his plan being to make his first stop of any length at Aberdeen.
He arrived there at night and the following morning mounted his bicycle for a trip through the surrounding country.
It was a new world to him. His first thought was: how splendid the roads were for wheeling, they seemed even better than the paved streets of the city.