The American Missionary — Volume 35, No. 5, May, 1881Various
Religion
The American Missionary — Volume 35, No. 5, May, 1881
Various
Congregational churches -- Missions -- Periodicals; Home missions -- Periodicals
Yet these missionaries of Pomona uttered no complaint, but met
their fate with a calmness that was beautiful to behold. All honor
to the forty thousand! What a host it was! If taken to the capital
of their native state and strung together, they would have made a
festoon stretching from the State house dome to the apex of Bunker
Hill monument! Many, many thanks to our generous friends.
ALL OF US.
* * * * *
Twenty-eight New Disciples.
MISS JULIA GOODWIN, ATLANTA.
“Sweet day, so cool, so calm, so clear!
Bridal of earth and sky.”
These beautiful lines of the sainted Herbert well describe that
bright day in March, a day in which to breathe its delicious air
was a luxury; a day in which our hearts were lifted up in unison
with all things in Nature; a day long to be remembered as a golden
one in the history of this band of Christ’s followers.
As we entered the audience room, going from the clear sunshine
without into the subdued light of the sanctuary, we found it filled
to its utmost capacity, and over all seemed to reign a holy calm.
Before the altar sat thirty who waited to be made one with this
fold, (twenty-eight by profession, two by letter). Waiting to
welcome these and to assist in the sacred rites of the hour were
Rev. Messrs. Hawley, Francis, and Beaman, and Dr. Roy. After the
singing of hymns, reading of Scripture and prayer, and the pastor
had spoken fitting words of welcome, admonition and encouragement,
those who had not already received the rite, one after another,
kneeled before the altar for baptism. The hush of solemn stillness
added to the impressiveness of the simple ceremony. Then in the
freshness of their love the twenty-eight new disciples stood and
took the vows of God upon them, while Christian hearts rejoiced;
and may we not believe that angels bent to hear, and carry the
news to Heaven of young hearts renouncing the world and pledging
allegiance to the King of kings? God grant that each one may be
found “faithful unto death.”
The emblems were blessed, the bread was broken, the wine poured,
the invitation given, “eat ye all of it.” Interesting and touching
reminiscences were indulged in, often with much tenderness of
feeling. The heart-hymn, “My faith looks up to Thee,” every line of
which breathes a prayer, ascended in its wedded tune of Olivet. The
benediction was said; the service was over.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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