Brinkworth: On the Brinkworth District Meeting, April 1-3, 1837

Held at Chippenham.

Saturday, April 1, the district meeting for Brinkworth district was held at Chippenham in Wiltshire.

Sunday, April 2. — Preaching early in the chapel.  After this morning preaching, a number went into the chapel to perform a baptismal service.  Bro. Joseph Preston opened the service; when united faith so got into exercise that the baptism of the Holy Ghost descended to the surprise of all.

H. Bourne then observed, that the first baptisms we read of were those in the cloud and in the sea.  Then the Lord appointed the baptisms which consisted in the sprinkling of blood and water, and water and the ashes of a heifer; and that when such blood and ashes of a heifer, were done away by the body of Christ offered once for all, the two baptisms fell into one, namely, the sprinkling of water only; and that this one baptism pointed to the baptism of the Holy Ghost and the cleansing blood of Christ; the Lord having said, “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean,” Ezekiel xxxvi. 25, and I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh.  He dwelt fully on faith and the baptism of the Holy Ghost, and a very powerful Unction attended the word.  He then baptized four grown-up persons in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  And on the whole the outpouring of the Spirit was so great that this baptismal service will long be remembered.

The Camp meeting was a considerable distance from the town.  The procession was great; and by degrees it grew into what was termed a moving Camp meeting, carried on with singing, prayer, praise, and sermons; and a powerful Unction attended these walking exercises.

The day was rather cold; but the Camp meeting was great and powerful; and at the lovefeast at night the converting work broke out, as it did also at the missionary meeting on the Monday evening.  To God be all the glory. Amen.

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Page 26.