A Pleasant and Profitable Day.
By J. H. W.
THURSDAY, May 29, was a day which will be remembered by the church of Battle Creek. Baptism had been contemplated for several weeks, and it was decided to have it administered at Goguac Lake. The grove procured has a long, broad shade with a table underneath it. Near this were pitched three camp-meeting tents. These, however, were not much used, as the pleasant shade of the trees was enjoyed by all, the weather being very favorable. All the hands in the REVIEW Office, a goodly number from the Health Institute, and a large part of the church, were there. The exercises were opened by singing, “Shall we gather at the river?” followed by prayer; then singing, “The tempter to my soul hath said.” After this, Bro. White made some excellent remarks on Baptism. The dinner, at 12:30, deserves particular mention. It has been the custom, for several years, to resort to this lake for recreation and worship, and it is well known that on such occasions much time is usually spent in preparation, and some are deprived of the benefits of the meeting because they have to “serve tables” so diligently. But on this occasion nothing was taken onto the ground but graham bread and crackers and apples. The table was spread for the benefit of those who chose to occupy it, but most took their dinners in family groups scattered under the trees. We have seen many picnic dinners served, but never saw one which seemed to be enjoyed so highly as this. No cumbersome baggage was to be looked after, as a family can easily carry enough graham bread for a dinner in a common work-basket. The clear breeze coming over the lake, and the agreeable outdoor exercise, gave a good appetite—all ate with a relish, yet we doubt if there was one on the ground who overate, as is too often done when there is a variety of dishes, especially with cakes and pies. We commend this example to all excursionists. At 1:30, religious exercises were resumed by singing, “Shall we know each other?” Prayer, and singing the hymn, “Baptized into the Saviour’s death,” followed by the examination of candidates, after which remarks were made by sister White; these were practical, and well fitted to the occasion. The baptismal scene was one of the most pleasing and impressive we ever witnessed. The water is clear, with a smooth, sandy bottom, but so shallow at the shore that it would have involved too much walking on the part of the administrator, as usually performed. To obviate this, as Bro. White, who administered the rite,197started shoreward with the person just baptized, Bro. Kellogg left the shore with another, and they exchanged as they met, Bro. K. bringing the one baptized to the shore, as Bro. White returned to the deeper water. There was no crowding to see, as the bank was clear, and the rite administered so far from shore that it could be seen by all, in every direction. Seventeen were baptized; among them a husband and wife, three daughters of Bro. Merriam, two daughters and a son of Bro. O. Davis, and two sons of Bro. Belden. Another noticeable feature of the occasion was the absence of lightness and hilarity. We are often pained to see the young, especially during the recess and at dinner, on such occasions, indulge in unbecoming levity and trifling conversation. There seemed to be a singular and unusual exemption from all this; it was emphatically a season of solid Christian enjoyment. All felt that it was a day of both pleasure and profit, and all returned to their homes with cheerful, thankful hearts. J. H. W.