We conclude our present article by an extract of a letter of somewhat
less recent date from Mr. Hutchins. It relates to the station at Lucea,
and was addressed to a friend of the writer, who has kindly furnished it
for our pages.
A few sabbaths ago I had such a delightful day, that the
recollection of it will, I have no doubt, be ever attended
with feelings of peculiar pleasure. Early in the morning we
proceeded to the place of baptizing from Lucea, where I
baptized nine of my black brethren and sisters, nay nine of
our black brethren and sisters in Christ. The place was two
miles from the Bay. We arrived at break of day. It was not in
the river Jordan, but in a beautiful winding river in a most
retired situation. We were covered by the majestic and
graceful boughs of the bamboo, which, for grandeur of
appearance and loveliness of shade, excels every other tree in
the island, and is beautiful beyond description.
The congregation consisted of about 300 persons, all getting as
near as possible to the banks of the river, while we arranged
the candidates close to the border of the stream.
The day now dawned upon us, and I felt as if compelled to
commence by singing the verse:
"Sweet is the work, my God, my King,
To praise thy name, give thanks, and sing;
To show thy love by morning light,
And talk of all thy truth at night."
And indeed, if one may speak for others, it was truly sweet. I
then engaged in prayer, and delivered an address to the various
classes present; and judging from appearances, we cannot but
hope that at some future period good results will be brought to
light.
The Spirit of the Most High seemed to rest upon us. Persons
whom I have seen trifling on other occasions, were overawed.
Others, who were anticipating with pleasure the time when they
shall have a name and a place among the people of God, were
seen with the tear silently rolling dawn their cheeks. While
others, with their hands clasped and pressed on their bosoms,
with their eyes raised towards heaven, seemed to be fervently
engaged in the interesting service, and to enjoy in their minds
something of that feeling which is peculiar to the Christian,
which the world can neither give nor take away. I then entered
the stream and baptized them, singing two lines between each;
after which I concluded, and thus ended one of the most
interesting services I ever knew. We then repaired to Lucea,
and commenced our morning prayer-meeting at seven instead of
six o'clock; we had a good congregation. At half-past ten the
next service was to commence. At ten I saw people going away to
seek for sittings at the kirk, for not one could be found here.
Our house is very commodious, being three stories high. The
lower parts we use for the chapel, and in the top we reside.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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