Vermont: Baptisms at South Starksboro
By A. S. Hutchins
The three Sabbaths following our excellent camp-meeting, I spent at South Starksboro, holding meetings also on first-days, and some evenings, assisted by Bro. Evans. As previously stated by Bro. D. T. Bourdeau, a good interest had been awakened here by the labors in the tent during its short stay. Our meetings were highly interesting. Some more decided to obey God by obedience to all his commandments. The last Sabbath, extra seats had to be prepared in the school-house, for the convenience of the audience, who came to hear the word, and to witness the ordinance of baptism. Strange reports had been put into circulation about us. It was said that we received a fee for baptizing each candidate, of three or five dollars, that the ordinance was not administered by the preacher, but that he stood upon the shore and witnessed it, and that we always baptized in the night. The day was most delightful. After the close of the second sermon, we repaired to the water, where five happy souls followed the example of the Great Head of the church. The large number present saw nothing strange or queer to mark the occasion. Under the gracious power of the Holy Spirit, dear, old faithful pilgrims rejoiced with those who have recently learned to love the precious truths of the blessed Bible. Truly there is power in the gospel and the efficacy of Christ’s blood, to unite the hearts of believers. But we must press forward for higher attainments, and seek to have our lives marked with a growth in grace, and our efforts crowned with usefulness and happiness. One of the number baptized never professed religion till our meetings after the camp-meeting. It was heart-cheering to see her move forward so readily in obedience. Oh! that many more who have heard and been deeply convicted, would yield to the convicting influences of the Spirit of God, and know the unspeakable joy of communion with him, and of a hiding place from the fast approaching judgments, in the great day of his wrath. A. S. Hutchins. Oct. 3, 1872.