My Conversion
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although he intimated that sprinkling would be equally acceptable with
God.
Finally the time was appointed for us to receive this solemn ordi-
nance. It was a windy day when we, twelve in number, went down into
the sea to be baptized. The waves ran high and dashed upon the shore;
but as I took up this heavy cross, my peace was like a river. When I
arose from the water, my strength was nearly gone, for the power of
the Lord rested upon me. I felt that henceforth I was not of this world,
but had risen from the watery grave into a newness of life.
The same day in the afternoon I was received into the church in
full membership. A young woman stood by my side who was also
a candidate for admission to the church. My mind was peaceful and
happy till I noticed the gold rings glittering upon this sister’s fingers,
and the large, showy earrings in her ears. I then observed that her
bonnet was adorned with artificial flowers, and trimmed with costly
ribbons arranged in bows and puffs. My joy was dampened by this
display of vanity in one who professed to be a follower of the meek
and lowly Jesus.
I expected that the minister would give some whispered reproof
or advice to this sister; but he was apparently regardless of her showy
apparel, and no rebuke was administered. We both received the right
hand of fellowship. The hand decorated with jewels was clasped by
the representative of Christ, and both our names were registered upon
the church book.
This circumstance caused me no little perplexity and trial as I
remembered the apostle’s words: “In like manner also, that women
adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and so-
briety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but
(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” The
teaching of this scripture seemed to be openly disregarded by those
[21]
whom I looked upon as devoted Christians, and who were much older
in experience than myself. If it was indeed as sinful as I supposed,
to imitate the extravagant dress of worldlings, surely these Christians
would understand it and would conform to the Bible standard. Yet for
myself I determined to follow my convictions of duty. I could but feel
that it was contrary to the spirit of the gospel to devote God-given time
and means to the decoration of our persons—that humility and self-