The Stark County Democrat. [volume] (Canton, Ohio) 1833-1912, 1875-03-04

sailed forth to have an interview with
his minister. This ended in the good
man heartily agreeing to dispense the
sacrament OF baptism on Christmas Day,
in the ship, adding almost in a whisper,
"Not on this mountain or on lhat, you
know, captain--but the heart, the heart
spirit and truth!'
That meeting on Christmas Day the
reader can easily picture to himself All
the crew mustered in their best attire.
A sort of tent was formed on the deck
with sails, and decorated with evergreens
and flags. And in addition to the crew,
the captains wife and family were pres
ent. On table covered with a hne
white cloth were placed large Bible
and china bowl with water. The cap
tain resolved to be the sponsor, or, as
the Scotch say, ito tax on the VOWS
having told his minister that he had re,
solved to bring up Billy as his own child
TO treat him as lamb Of his own flock.
He would do this he said, mot only Tor
the boys sake, but for his mothers sake
| She was" But what she was Wau-
chope seemed unable to tell the minister
After prayer the minister very beau.
tifully and touchingly recalled the CHIEF
incidents of the voyage. lie then au-
dressed Captain Wauchope, and shortly,
but pointedly, expounded to him his du'
ties as the up-bringer ofthe child. Then,
reminding the captain that he prom
ised to give this child a christian educa,,
tion-bringing it up in the nurture and
admonition fthe Lord" he asked the
boys name.
civilian Buttons Wauchope Fordycee,
or w. B. w. Fordyce; as youthink best"
replied the captain, with a bow. :,
No sooner was the child baptized and
the service over, than the captain hand
ed him to his wife. bidding her "pass
Billy round" Each Of the crew re-
ceived him and handed him solemnly to
his neighbor; and verify believe some
of them thought this an essential part
of tie holy ceremony. The captain then
ordered him to be laid down to sleep, his
little head resting upon the same pillow
on which the cheek of his dying mother
had reposed. OTIS no harm" " said Wau-
chope, "Mayhap she sees him, and may
like it,"
The captain provided an appropriate
treat for all under the canvass. ltwould
be vain to record the innocent speeches
of the sailors after the minister and the
captain, with the females" had left them
to enjoy themselves, under tae charge OF
the mate and steward. But | must not
forget to mention that the minister, be-
fore parting made simple, earnest,
cheerful. and what was called by them
"a jolly speech, in which he brought out
what was in every heFrt, regarding the
boy and his mother, and what the ships
company-more especially the captain,
the steward, and wee Peter-had been
to the child, and the noble part Captain
Wauchope had acted in taking him into
the bosom of his own family. Even the
little hearty Mrs Bridget was not for
gotten. As the minister was pleased to
say, "she was, though a Papist, most
kind-hearted, good Christian" And
now," concluded the worthy nan, let us
all part friends, and endeavor to shape
our course so as at last to reach the haven
of eternal rest. May Gods word be our
chart to show the way, Gods Spirit our
compass to direct us in the way, and
Jesus Christ be our Captain at all times.
A merry Christmas to you all! Both
young men and maidens, old men and
children, raise your hearts in praise! For
unto us child is born, unto us a Saviour
is given, who is Christ the Lord"