There was a small endowment attached to Zoar, and on this, with the
garden and house rent free, the minister lived. Once now and then--
perhaps once in every three or four years--there was a baptism in
Zoar, and at such times it was crowded. The children of the
congregation, as a rule fell away from it as they grew up; but
occasionally a girl remained faithful and was formally admitted to
its communion. In front of the pulpit was an open space usually
covered; but the boards could be taken up, and then a large kind of
tank was disclosed, which was filled with water when the ceremony was
performed. After hymns had been sung the minister went down into the
water, and the candidate appeared dressed in a long white robe very
much like a night-gown. The dear sister, during a short address,
stood on the brink of the tank for a few moments, and then descended
into it beside the minister, who, taking her by the neck and round
the waist, ducked her fairly and completely. She emerged, and walked
dripping into the vestry, where it was always said that hot brandy
and water was ready.
Many of us have felt that we would give all our books if we could but
see with our own eyes how a single day was passed by a single ancient
Jewish, Greek, or Roman family; how the house was opened in the
morning; how the meals were prepared; what was said; how the husband,
wife, and children went about their work; what clothes they wore, and
what were their amusements.
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