Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1852-06-24
D0RA's BAPTISM.

We stood beside the clear waters Of a
murmuriug stream. The open sky was
above us, the broad, green fields around.
Hundreds were gathered about the waters
edge, and upon the low, rustic bridge which
the simple villagers had erected above it. 1t
was a glorious day in autumn--a New
England Auumn-whcn all nature looks
doubly beautiful. A Stiffness was upon
everything around. Not breath disturbed
the deep repose. Presently young girl
came forth from among that waiting multi.
tude. There she stood in almost angelic
purity, beside the man of God who was to
perform the ceremony of baptism.
Dora Nelson had been my friend for
years; together we had shared our childish
sports-together were merging into woman.
hood. Beautiful she ever was, if purity Of
soul and sweetness; but never had she
seemed half so lovely, even to me, lis III
this moment. watched her as prrpara
tions were making for tile ceremony; a
child-like innocence was upon her TEXTURES !;
she seemed almost too pure to be the centre
OF that gazing crowd. lnstinctvely turn.
ed away, fearing my look was proclamation.
Soon the voice Of prayer arose from the
p eacher. He spoke as he should have
spoken; touchingly and fcelingly. He
finished; and taking the hand of the young
girl within his own, together they descend
ed into the waters.
A beautiful sight was that young maiden,
thus coming out from the world and giving
herself to God. The very act seemed full
Of love, aud purity, and holiness. The
spectators almost held their breath in the
very intensity of their gazing. Then was
heard aloud the voice Of the preacher, as
he pronounced distinctly, "Dora Nelson,
baptizc thee in the name of the Father, and
o: the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen"
One sound upon the waters, and all was
over. Sine had been buried with Christ in
baptism. Then her sweet low voice broke
fo:th in song. Others joined her, Till all
hearts seemed borne aloIt on music's wings,
even to the very gates of Heaven. looked
upward, almost expecting to see the hea-
vens open, and the Spirit of the Dove de.
sccndiny to dwell upon that young Chris.
tian. Forgive the thought if it was irrev-
erent; | could not help it. Never had any.
thing in my past life appeared to me so
purely solemn. 1t seemed, for the time, as
ough Christ was in our very mids:-as
though the age of miracles had returned.
When the young girl came forth from the
waters she was joyfully received by her
friends upon the shore. The same calm,
holy expression sat upon her features, only
more calm, more holy STILL A benedic,ion
WAS pronounced, and the people dispersed;
bat never, while life remains, will the re.
memhrance Of that scene pass from my
mind. 1t is craven there, as one of the
sweetest, loveliest pictures upon which my
eye has ever rested
| know not of Dora now. Time and
distance have separated us, probably forever.
But many time comes her pure young face
wildly up before me. Again hear her
voice, again see her buried with Christ in
baptism. God grant that her early vows
may have been kept pure in her heart from
that time until now and that thus they may
be hereafter kept, till she meets her God in
Heaven.-From the Olive Branch.