One Sunday at a camp…meeting； when Gabriel was twelve years old and was to be baptized；Deborah and Florence stood on the banks of a river along with all the other folks and watched him。
Gabriel had not wished to be baptized。 The thought had frightened and angered him； but hismother insisted that Gabriel was now of an age to be responsible before God for his sins—shewould not shirk the duty； laid on her by the Lord； of doing everything within he power to bringhim to the throne of grace。 On the banks of a river； under the violent light of noon； confessedbelievers and children of Gabriel’s age waited to be led into the water。 Standing out； waist…deepand robed in white； was the preacher； who would hold their heads briefly under the water； cryingout to Heaven as the baptized held his breath： ‘I indeed have baptized you with water： but He shallbaptize you with the Holy Ghost。’ Then； as they rose sputtering and blinded and were led to theshore； he cried out again： ‘Go thou and sin no more。’ They came up from the water； visibly underthe power of the Lord； and on the shore the saints awaited them； beating their tambourines。
Standing bear the shore were the elders of the church； holding towels with which to cover thenewly baptized； who were then led into the tents； one for either sex； where they could change theirclothes。
At last； Gabriel； dressed in an old white shirt and short linen pants； stood on the edge of thewater。 Then he was slowly led into the river；