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LAURA BRIDGMAN. 253 cerning the sacred ordinance. My sister, Mrs. Herrick, called upon me the first Saturday of July; she interpreted some sentences to me for the reverend. Shortly after dinner I accompanied my mother to his house a few rods from my home. I had a happy call there till it was time for us all to go to the holy sanctuary to attribute prayers and holy communion to the Almighty Father. The holy church agreed to vote me a member. The sixth of July, the first Sabbath, my cousin Mary called to see me once or twice Sunday. I. went with her <fe my mother to Mr. Herrick's house at noon. I was so glad to meet a few ladies there ; I was waited upon by those ladies in prepa- ration for baptism. I could hardly help myself undress and dress myself. Mr. H. welcomed me so gladly at his house. I was guided to the brookside by my mamma & Mrs. Huntington. Mr. H. sent for me one of his chairs to sit by the side of the brook while holy prayer was being- addressed. Two students sang a hymn 112. I believe that the first line of the hymn is : ' ' In all my God's appointed ways. " I did not feel inclined to talk with my fingers at the blessed ordinance, but I was so happy to have my mother or any person speak to me. My soul was overwhelmed with spiritual joy and light in the presence of God, & his blest Son Jesus Christ. I could hardly smile, for I felt solemnly happy. . . As Mr. H. took me by the hand crossing the pure water I felt a thrill of crying for joy, though not one drop of a tear fell in sight from my eyes. . . My dear father & a gentleman aided me up out of the water, & I sat in the chair with my wet clothes, on utterance of another prayer, I went to church & the holy communion. Mr. H. gave me the right hand of fellowship in God. It was a most glorious & pious Sunday, evermore for me to retain."