p. 24 | Thirty-Six Baptized in Battle Creek

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 30, 1907

Thirty-Six Baptized in Battle Creek

By Minnie C. Harnden

KNOWING that our people throughout the world are interested in conditions in Battle Creek, we give space on this page to the following encouraging report from the librarian of the Battle Creek church:—

As a result of a two-weeks' series of revival meetings held in Battle Creek, a most interesting and beautiful baptismal scene was witnessed in the Tabernacle, Sabbath afternoon, May 18, at which time thirty-six souls took their stand to go through the kingdom of God with this people. A large congregation was present and listened attentively to the solemn baptismal charge delivered by Elder M. N. Campbell, as follows:—

“By going forward in baptism, you covenant,—

“1. To keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, forsaking the world with its frivolities and amusements, taking Jesus as your divine Lord and Master, the Bible as your guide, the Holy Spirit as your teacher and sanctifier.

“2. To live the life of a Christian through God's enabling grace, to do all in your power to enlighten others with reference to the third angel's message, and to support this cause with your tithes and offerings.

“3. You covenant to loyally adhere to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, attending its services whenever possible, doing all in your power to maintain its integrity and to discountenance every attempt to tarnish its fair name.

“4. To give heed to and reverence the instructions given through the spirit of prophecy in the Testimonies for the church.

“5. You covenant to live to the best of your ability in accordance with the light God has given with reference to healthful dress and healthful living, laying aside alcoholic liquors, tobacco, tea, coffee, and similar hurtful indulgences.

“6. To adhere to simplicity of attire, laying aside artificial flowers, feathers, rings, and jewelry used purely for adornment.”

After the delivery of this charge, the rite of baptism was administered by Elder Campbell.

Ten or twelve others will be baptized a little later. Besides those who have newly taken their stand on the side of right and truth, many in the church have been receiving much spiritual benefit from these meetings, and altogether it is a time of refreshing in the church at Battle Creek.

We feel here that although we are in the midst of a great warfare with the wicked things of this world, and surrounded on every side by great trials and temptations, yet the Lord is remembering his promises to his own people, and although we are “cast in the midst of the seas” and all His billows and waves pass over us, yet we hear him saying to us, “They that war against thee shall be as nothing, and as a thing of naught.”

The Battle Creek church as a whole stands solidly upon the foundation principles of truth and righteousness, ever holding up as its insignia the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.

MINNIE C. HARNDEN, Librarian.