 At the age of 14 , during the Second Great Awakening , which was especially strong in <unk> New York , Briggs experienced a conversion experience and joined the Baptist faith . He spoke at revival meetings of his experience , drawing <unk> applause from the crowds , according to <unk> Hall , who came to know Briggs at that time and who became a lifelong friend and political associate . His faith informed his personal behavior : he remained committed to religious ideals , for instance <unk> to Congressional sessions that stretched into Sunday and <unk> from alcohol consumption . 
