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Evangelism
pattern. There should be no attempt at ornamentation, no ruffling or
trimming. All display, whether of trimming or ornaments, is wholly
out of place. When the candidates have a sense of the meaning of
the ordinance, they will have no desire for personal adornment. Yet
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there should be nothing shabby or unseemly, for this is an offense to
God. Everything connected with this holy ordinance should reveal as
perfect a preparation as possible.—
Testimonies For The Church 6:97,
98
(1900).
An Impressive Baptismal Service—The efforts put forth in Oak-
land have borne fruit in the salvation of precious souls. Sunday morn-
ing, December 16, I attended a baptismal service at the Piedmont
Baths. Thirty-two candidates were buried with their Lord in baptism,
and arose to walk in newness of life. This was a scene that angels of
God witnessed with joy.... The entire service was impressive. There
was no confusion, and occasionally a verse of some hymn of praise
was sung.—
Manuscript 105, 1906
.
Emergency Baptism—Arrangements will be made to fulfill the
aged man’s request for baptism. He is not strong enough to go to
_____ or to _____, and the only way in which the ceremony can be
performed is by getting a bathtub and letting him into the water.—
Letter 126, 1901
.
God’s Keeping Power—After the believing soul has received the
ordinance of baptism, he is to bear in mind that he is dedicated to God,
to Christ, and to the Holy Spirit....
All who study the life of Christ and practice his teaching will
become like Christ. Their influence will be like His. They will reveal
soundness of character. They are established in the faith, and will
not be overcome by the devil because of vanity and pride. They seek
to walk the humble path of obedience, doing the will of God. Their
character exerts an influence that tells for the advancement of the cause
of God and the healthful purity of His work....
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In these thoroughly converted souls the world has a witness to the
sanctifying power of truth upon the human character. Through them
Christ makes known to the world His character and will. In the lives of
God’s children is revealed the blessedness of serving the Lord, and the
opposite is seen in those who do not keep His commandments. The
line of demarcation is distinct. All who obey God’s commandments
are kept by His mighty power amid the corrupting influence of the