The Methodist denomination, at this time very spiritual and very prosperous in the province, was with him a favorite, though for reasons independent of the dictation of persons or of circumstances, he did not become a member of their society in his town, a fact which did not at all interfere with the entire freedom and cordial fellowship they mutually enjoyed. A Methodist Discipline is kindly offered him. He gladly reads, and commits it mostly to memory. But there is something in this young man that questions the Discipline and the ministers who explain it; that regards it as formal, and in many respects unlike the Scriptures; that quietly declines making it the groundwork of a faith and a sectarian position, though he does not break the happy concord about him by obtruding open controversy. He joined no sect.
"I wondered," said he, "that saints cannot all be one. I thought it strange that the affectionate names of 'Brethren,' 'Disciples,' 'Christians,' 'Friends,'—golden names that I found scattered through the New Testament, were not sufficient without the sectarian names under which the denominations were marshalled. This was a great mystery to me. I knew of none at that time who adopted the name of Christian as their only designation; but young and ignorant as I then was, I thought I beheld something more glorious than anything at which either myself or others had as yet arrived. My trials in pondering over these things were great. There were others who agreed with me in ideas of liberty, that were far greater than anything within the limits of the Discipline."
At a time when the righteousness of sectarianism was undisputed, when no voices from the pulpit were pleading for the true catholicity of the Christian faith, and when his associates were moved along by emotional ardor, was it not a strong, clear-sighted, original force of the young man that paused to ask, Why this formality and narrowness of creed? Why these many sectarian names? Why is the unity of the religion of Jesus broken by sects? These indeed were great questions for a young man in 1811; and in resolving them into a principle of action without relinquishing an iota of the faith and piety that had inspired him with hope, and joy unspeakable, he has given to the world an early proof of the superiority of mind of which his maturer years were the exhibition. The multitude, yielding to the enthusiasm of great moral excitement, often float along as flood-wood. He so controlled the current that bore him, as to be his own man, free from the despotism of any sectarian platform.
Through the spring and summer of 1812, his mind steadily poised on heavenly things, and anxious to do what the will of God in Christ required, he made the subject of baptism a topic of study.
"I searched the New Testament, as I was determined to know all that it said on the subject. I first became satisfied from the Scriptures, and secret prayer, that baptism was an institution of the Redeemer. 2. That it was enjoined on all believers in the Son of God. 3. That the mode practised in primitive days was going down into the water, and coming up out of the water after being buried therein. Although I was so clear relative to these three ideas, I often wept and cried to God in secret places in view of my unworthiness; but I received a glorious answer that in this institution of outward acknowledgment and obedience, I ought to follow the examples of Him who is the Way, the Truth, and Life. One evening when my mind was much tried on this subject, I prayed to God that if it was my duty to be baptized, I might dream of pleasant water. That night when locked in sleep I dreamed of riding on the most beautiful stream that I ever had seen; also of being immersed in the pure and tranquil element, whilst the divine glory shone around as a sacred enchantment. When I awoke my heart was filled with love divine, and I believe that, had there been an administrator present, I should hardly have waited for the day-dawn. These feelings I kept to myself; and, as I could not think of any administrator, or fix on time and place, I continued in this way till the first of September.
"I then went to Hatley to attend a general meeting, and a glorious time it was. Here I first saw Elder Benjamin Page, from Vermont, who preached a very instructive and refreshing discourse from Rom. 8: 21. 'Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.' Here I became acquainted with many of God's people whom I had not known, and in their spirituality and freedom I saw what more accorded with my existing ideas than I yet had seen. Nearly two hours Mr. Page spoke again from Isa. 33: 2. It was a glorious time, as was also the evening meeting, in which many participated. The next day we all parted with tears of joy, never expecting to meet again on earth. As I was about to leave, I took Elder Moulton by the hand and asked him if he would come to Compton and preach, to which he replied that he would whenever I desired him, inquiring at the same time if there were not some in our vicinity who would like to receive baptism, saying, 'I have thought for some time that I should have to go there to administer this ordinance'—a remark that gave to my former impressions a new evidence of my present duty. We agreed upon the time; I made the appointment and longed for the day to come; but the morning that brought me this new responsibility was not wholly without clouds, as the cross appeared great and fears arose. In spirit, I said,—
"'Jesus, my Lord, my Life, my Light,
O come with blissful ray;
Break radiant through the shades of night,
And chase my fears away.'
In a trembling and prayerful state of mind I went to church, where I found a large concourse of people in attendance, to whom Elder M. preached words of life. Among the many that were moved to speak in honor of the Redeemer, I arose, expressed my love to God and the saints, inviting my young companions to a rich and costly repast, without money and without price. Here every doubt was removed. Here I gained strength. The glory of God filled my heart. My father being present, Elder M. asked him if he was willing that his son should go forward in baptism, to which he replied that he was perfectly willing that Joseph, in things of religion, should act according to his own conception of duty. This gave me additional joy. I had chosen a pleasant stream, the Coatecook river, as the place where I preferred to receive baptism, to which locality we walked, two and two, in large procession, the distance of half a mile, singing the praises of God as we advanced. This day, Sept. 29, 1812, will be held in everlasting remembrance by me. My father sat upon his horse a few rods above me, in the water, so as to have a fair prospect. I was informed by the spectators who stood near him, that when I went into the water the tears flowed freely from his eyes. Under the smile of clear skies, of a quiet surrounding nature, I was baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The hearts of the brethren on shore appeared full of joy, and some voices of acclamation were heard. It seemed, indeed, as though the heavens were opened, and the Spirit was hovering on the assembly. Some praised, others wept, and a sweet peace and calmness filled my soul. As I ascended from the water, I sung the following lines with the Spirit, and I think with the understanding also:
"'But who is this that cometh forth,
Sweet as the blooming morning,
Fair as the moon, clear as the sun?
'Tis Jesus Christ adorning.'[10]