“Friends, you are here to make a profession of your religious faith, and enter into an everlasting covenant. We trust you have well considered what you are about to do, and so are prepared to give yourselves away, a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
Murray stared at the minister in wonder. How did the man know that that was what was in his heart? Was it in the hearts of these others? These men and women—and also these little children? He looked about upon them wonderingly. Had the same Spirit drawn them that had touched his heart? He felt a sudden accession of interest in them, as if they were new-found brothers and sisters. What a queer thing! That little boy with the turned-up nose and freckles, the red hair that needed cutting, and the collar that was not exactly clean, was his brother. He had been born into a new family. He looked at the boy again, and saw a something in his face, a wistful, earnest look on the rough little, tough little countenance, and all at once he knew that humanity was the next greatest thing to God. Why had he not known that before? Why had he always thought the only thing worth while was having a good time and doing the latest thing that had been heard of? Oh, how he had wasted his time!
The minister’s voice came into his thoughts just here again.
“Having examined and assented to our Articles of Faith, you will now profess them before these witnesses.”
Murray had not examined any Articles of Faith, had not the least idea what they were. He listened intently.
“We believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, the true God.
“We believe that God has revealed the scriptures as our only infallible rule of faith and practice.
“We believe that all mankind are by nature lost sinners.
“We believe that Jesus, the Son, died to atone for sin.
“We believe that whosoever repents and believes in Jesus will be saved.”