Part 14 (1/2)
”I think so too,” Matilda a.s.sented.
”Then we will do everything, shall we, that we think our Lord would like to have us do? and we will trust Him to help us through with it?”
Mr. Richmond said, with an affectionate look at the child beside him; and Matilda met the look and answered it with another.
”But, Mr. Richmond----”
”What is it?”
”There is one question I should like to ask.”
”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?”
”I do not know,” he answered, thoughtfully. ”Not immediately. You and I must have some more talks before that time.”
”You are very good to me, Mr. Richmond,” Matilda said, gratefully.
”Have we said all we ought to say this time? Are there any more questions to bring up?”
”_I_ haven't any to bring up,” Matilda said.
”Is all clear that we have been talking about?”
”I think so.”
”Now, will you be good to me, and stay and take supper with me? That knock at the door means that Miss Redwood would like to have me know that supper is ready. And you shall have this apple we have been roasting.”
”Mr. Richmond, I think mamma would be frightened if I did not go home.”
”She does not know where you are?”