Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. I.djvu/425

Rh The form of baptism is here one of the most rational which I am yet acquainted with. The child is given up, as it were, to Christ. The church receives it in the place of Christ, and asks the father and the god-parents whether they will promise to watch over the child, so that it shall become instructed in and brought up conformably with the doctrines of Christ. The father and the god-parents answer “Yes,” on which the priest says, “God give you grace to fulfill your vows!” After which he baptizes the child in the name of the “Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” On the confirmation of children the priest says: “These young Christ i a i ns now come to confirm openly, and with full knowledge, the vows which were made for them in their baptism, in order that they may henceforth enjoy,” and so on. One custom, also peculiar in this church, is the religious ceremony by which her elders are consecrated to their office, partly as justices of the peace, partly as religious instructors. Every pastor of a congregation, has around him a council of five or six elders or barbes. These are chosen for their life, and continue in their office so long as they are not unworthy of it, otherwise they can be displaced.

Near the high road through the valley of Lucerna, not far from La Torre, a handsome, newly-built church may be seen, with its two towers, around which thousands of swallows skim joyously. Over the door of this church, stands written in golden letters; “This is life eternal, to know the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.” This is the latest built