Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1831-06-08
From the Prov. American.
THE IMMERSION.

The ceremony of baptism by INNER
sion, performed in the Apostolic mode so
plainly pointed out in the interview be-
tween Philip and the Eunuch, is impress
sive and highly imposing, when admin
istered in an appropriate manner. We
witnessed one of these ceremonies not
long ago, in village situated near a
clear salt bay, with its ireshening breez-
es and bright sand beach, around which
was assembled multitude of attentive
spectators. The candidates were youth
ful females, moGestly clad in the plain
woolen garments adapted to the ceremo-
ny, and animated with religious enthu-
siasm, a self-sacrifcing devotion that
rendered them more attractive than i'll
decorated for a bride.
The occasion was one that could not
fail to impress the most thoughtless mind
The clear strong voice Of the youthful
clergyman, rising above the dash of the
waves that were forced up the shelving
beach, with just enough of motion to give
spirit to the scene, the solemn attitudes
Of the listening throng; with the rever-
emily uncovered heads ofthe males, from
the hoary locks of age to the bright hair
Of the stripplng-and the swell Of voices
in the hymn that followed the prayer
the exhortation of the graceful preacher
to those who had taken upon them holy
vows to persevere-and his invitation to
the humble peniteDts to come forward in
confidence, and be buried with Christ in
baptism, and his warning to the careless
sinner-in all these, combined, there was
that kind ofthrilling interest which warns
the blood, and stirs up emotions that can
not but be salutary, even if they pass a
way with the occasion, and from which
lasting and eternal good would come, if
they were permanent. He who could
look upon such scene with scorn g. lev
ity, must be wanting in the sources
whence thought and feeling spring in the
soul.
Among the group of candidates there
was one more timid, as she was more
lovely than her companions; s yet strong
in faith, she followed her pastor fearless
ly INTO the water, and after receiving the
impressive benediction, sunk beneath the
wave, as gently as if falling upon
couch. There was slight gasp for
breath, as she again stood upon her feet,
and then bright smile lighted up her
features with holy confidence before
the truth Of which, the boldest infidel
must have shrunk, had he dared to mock
the hallowed feeling. As she came up
nf nf hn ato nj
broke forth in full rich strain with the
following stanZa:
"Oh Jesus my Saviour, to thee submit,
With love and thanksgiving, fall down at thy feet,
In sacrifice offer, my heart, life and soul,
Thou art my redeemer, my Lord and my ALL"
The ceremonies were followed by
sermon in the village church, from Luke
xiv. 22-"Lord, it is done as thou hast
commanded, and yet there is room" A
young lady upon whose fine Imagination
the scene had made vivid impression,
caught from this motto happy inspira-
ton, which was uttered almost improm-
tu, in the following beautifully simple
lines:
IT'S done, the sacred rite is done,
And they from death TO life have risen,
A glorious laurel each hath won
From the triumphant arch of heaven;
A crown Of faith, an anchor sure,
A hope that shall for aye endure.
IT'S done the fervent prayer Is said
That asks blessing this vow;
Though age hath sivered not his head,
Or stampt one furrow on his brow,
Yet truth and light to him are given,
To point their pathway on to heaven.
IT'S done; the holy psalm is sung,
And echo soft repeats the strain,
Till rock, and hill, and vale have rung
Those hymns of lofty praise again,
And all with one harmonious voice,
Earth, air, and seas, and skies rejoice.
IT'S done; the cloud that veil d the day
Has vanish'd with the dying strain;
So shall their tears he wiped away,
And grief and sin no more remain;
For lie who bade those waters flow
Can make their crimson hue as snow.
'Ts done; no wave has left the shore,
No murmur breaks their silent rest,
And yet-oh! there is room for more
Within the blue waves peaceful breast
Where love and peace forever bloom,
OH there is room--there yet is room!