A BAPTISM IN TAHITI by Elliot C. Chapman

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · May 28, 1894

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 20, No. 29.

A BAPTISM IN TAHITI.

By Elliot C. Chapman

THROUGH the months that have elapsed since the Pitcairn first arrived in Tahiti, the Spirit of the Lord has been working upon the hearts of many of the natives of this island. Some have decided for life and dropped off their evil ways as the Spirit of the Lord has led, while others have clung to their rum and tobacco, and journeyed on apart from the Lord. Among the company who meet every Sabbath at Arue, Tahiti, for worship, there are some who have given evidence of conversion, and as the time apparently drew near for the baptism of these precious souls, special meetings were held by Elder Read, and such instruction given as would lead them to fully realize the solemnity of the step to be taken. Sunday, April 8, was at last decided upon as the day for baptism, and a letter was sent to the Director of the Interior asking for permission for the meeting, which was granted in due time. As a real baptism, to which all are free to attend, is something comparatively new to the Tahitians, quite a company of natives strolled along the highway to the mission premises as the appointed hour drew near, and gathered near the baptismal pool.

It is doubtful if a more beautiful place could be found anywhere for celebrating this ordinance than the one on our mission premises. The stream is clear and peaceful, the surrounding majestic trees keep out the burning rays of a tropical sun, while the ground gradually rises from the water's edge, making it convenient for all to see. The day was beautiful, though as usual quite warm. As the people gathered around for this important proceeding, a deep sense of the solemnity of the occasion seemed to pervade the company, and the usually noisy native children and gay and worldly ones who came through curiosity, looked on with interest, and received impressions that will "hang on memory's walls" forever. Some of the leading French officials also gazed upon the scene, which to them was novel. "Tarry by the Living Waters" (Pape Ora) was sung for the opening song. The music, which has been translated into the native characters, sounded beautiful as it echoed through the surrounding woods. After singing all united in prayer with Brother

Paul Dean. "Wait, Meekly Wait" (Tiai ã) was then sung, followed by some appropriate remarks by Brother Dean. After singing again, Brother Read led the candidates forward one by one, where they were buried in the watery grave, to arise to walk in newness of life. Fourteen in all went forward at this time, including four men and ten women.

We were all much pleased and thankful for the measure of the Spirit of the Lord which prevailed throughout the proceedings, and so closed the day with grateful hearts to our Lord and Master.

The day following, two old gray-headed men, who were both deaf and very infirm with age, were helped along to the baptismal pool and buried with their Saviour. They came from the water rejoicing, though not able to walk alone because of physical infirmities, and went to their homes happy, looking with renewed courage into the future.

ELLIOT C. CHAPMAN.