“Once these dear ones were dead in sins, but through repentance and faith they now are saved.  They are, therefore, fit subjects for baptism.”

It was a very solemn occasion.  A holy awe covered the crowd, a holy atmosphere was prevalent among the people.  One by one the minister led the candidates down into the typical grave of water and when they arose out of the water there were praises and thanks given unto Him who had loved them and washed them from sin in His own blood.  So affecting was this scene that three persons asked for prayer that they might be saved.

At 6:00 P.M. the ordinances of feet-washing and the Lord’s Supper were celebrated.  When the congregation was assembled the minister said: 

“Jesus, on the night of His betrayal, ate the last Passover supper in the upper room with His disciples.  Before this supper was ended He took a towel and washed the disciples’ feet, and said:  ’If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet:  ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.  For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you ...  If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them’ (John 13:14, 15, 17).  We shall follow Jesus in this ordinance.  It symbolizes true Christian humility and service one to another.  It symbolizes one of the most tender relationships one person can hold with another, that of mutual helpfulness in little things.  A very deep lesson it teaches, one that has not been very well learned by Christians yet.”

Then they separated, the men going to one place, the women to another, and participated in the blessed ordinance.

Afterward, they assembled for the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Christ’s death for them.

The effects of this meeting on the people of the town were profound.  Some wondered, some scoffed, some were deeply convicted, but many were stirred to the point of discussion and earnest Bible-searching to see if these things were so.  Mr. Johnson, the bookstore man, sold more Bibles the next month after the revival than he had in the whole previous year.

The congregation raised up began at once to lay plans for a suitable church-building.  A lot was donated by one of the new converts, and many volunteered their services on the new building that was to be erected.

The zeal of the church led them to hold meetings in the neighborhood surroundings, one of which was held in the neighborhood of the Fairmount School, where the debates had taken place.  Peter Newby had spent considerable time in Bible study since those debates, but what his conclusions were, no one knew.  One Sunday the church announced an all-day meeting and basket dinner in a grove near Peter’s house.  There were many present, but one person, whose eye glistened with the fire of energy, was conspicuous.

“Why, there is old Peter Newby,” said Mary to Robert, and they ran over and greeted him cordially.

The evening was given over to a testimony and experience meeting.  Many testified to full salvation.  It was to the surprise of Robert and Mary Davis, as well as the others, when Peter Newby arose and said: