"Ask it."
"Why ought people to be baptized?"
"Because our Lord commands it. Isn't that a good reason?"
"Yes, sir; but—what does it mean, Mr. Richmond?"
"It is a way of saying to the world, that we have left it, and belong to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a way of saying to the world, that His blood has washed away our sins and His Spirit has made our hearts clean; or that we trust Him to do both things for us. And it is the appointed way of saying all this to the world; His appointed way. Do you understand?"
"Yes, sir."
"Now, do you not think that those who love the Lord Jesus, ought to be glad to follow His will in this matter?"
"Yes, sir," Matilda said again, raising her eyes frankly to Mr. Richmond's face.
"Would you be willing to be left out, when next I baptize some of those who wish to make it publicly known that they are Christ's?"
"No, sir." And presently she added. "When will that be, Mr. Richmond?"