Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1855-02-14

| Ience.
The exercises continued-the bread ant
wine as usual were dispensed-another hymn
sung, and the throne of grace again addressed
As to those present for baptism, it was not
necessary that they should be any farther in.
structed in the nature of the rite. They are
all known TO the holy man. He had visited
them at their homes, and talked and prayed
with them in his little chamber. Hence the
rite was forthwith administered, and some
twenty persons initiated into the suffering,
bleeding church.
At the close of this exercise, which occupi-
cd some time, the man who had last entered,
STEPPED forward and whispered few words in
the ear of Prytheus.
The countenance of the holy man brighten
ed with every word.
81 rejoice 1 rejoice - said he.
The man then returned, and led the female
to the alter.
"Thou desirest place in our master s king
dom,'' said Prytheus.
81 do" was the prompt reply of the female
ellis kingdom is not of this world,'' said
Prytheus.
81 expect my good things in the life to
come" said the female.
| ssWe must be born again.
"Whereas was once blind, nor [ see.''
| 1.-The cross is in the way
| ssWith the help OF the Lord, shall take it
up
| ssThou believest -
| 81 do,-in Jesus, the Saviour OF my soul.''
| .Seest thou our brethren Mere9" said Pry-
tn tba lad arI
| corpes in the vault.
death is the passage to life,'' said the fe-
male, looking at them with sorrowful smile.
sWho iorbids thee name among US l'' said
Prythcus, casting his eyes inquiringly around
him.
Vertitia was then baptized, at the side of
her father. who, all the while, wept with joy.
There is brief silence. All are mentally
engaged in prayer.
The last duty now to these, our dead" said
Prytheus, turning round, and taking the old
lamp out of the niche in his hand
He entered a narrow tortuous passage, when
the men taking up the dead bodies, followed
after. The women likewise followed in the
melancholy procession behind, and as they
moved slowly along, all united in singing
solemn dirge.
AT length, arriving at a large cavity in the
rock. they halted and there-while a HYMN
was sung expressive of the glorious resurec-
ton OF the righteous,-the bodies were care
fully deposited-to await that great day when
earth and sea shall give up their dead. and
there shall be more death.
Returning to the chapel, prayer was again
made. An affectionate farewell followed
Then, in small parties, conducted by the guide,
they ascended the rocky stairway, and dis
persed for their homes.
1t is twelve o'clock-dark-drcar
ling.
The Jcwess has just returned from the door
and resumed her seat. She has finished her
sewing, and had been to the door, watching
for the return of her sweet, dear boy who had
gone to attend that nights meeting in the
Catacombs.
Her movements indicate slight uneasi-
ness. In fact, her looks betray avery rapid
ly increasing anxiety. But then his absence
at any time would have accounted, in some
measure, at least. for this.
s.It's time he was here said she; ssbut
they'll be detained a little longer, tonight, |
with the baptisms Il might have thought of
that" saying which, she again took up the
dress in her hand, and after examining it |
closely few moments, commenced making a |
slight alteration in it, which she thought |
would improve its appearance.
A: the same time, as she went on altering. |
she beguiled the moments by singing. in low !
voice, u favorite hymn.
Directly, however, the dress is invoIuntarily |.
cast aside; and she is again at the door.
Gazing anxiousy down the street, and lean
ing her tall, slender form forward as far as /
possible, she is expecting every moment to
catch the sound of his light, quick step, or
see his fragile form emerging from the dark |
ness.
But long-long does she look,-look earn
estly, tremblingly, till her eyes dim, and her |
head aches.
n o darling boy, however, with his bright.
intelligent countenance, appears to relieve her
anxiety, which at length, has become sicken-
ng-insupportable.
"Why! what in the world what has hap |
pened him. It's two hours past the time. O!
my boy--my dear, dear boy - she exclaimed,
as she closed the door, and hurried to her
room, ringing her hands, and threw herself ON
her knees. 4
A few earnest, passionate petitions,--and
the poor distracted mother is again at the
door.
''Oh my boy my only earthly comfort -
and she sprung into the darkness, and started |
off wildly down the narrow street.