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error on that subject would be avoided. An idea has been entertained that the ordinances of Jesus Christ have succeeded certain Jewish observances and an analogy or resemblance has been traced betwixt Circumcision and Baptism; but while the mode, the time, and the subjects of the former have been clearly understood, these circumstances as to the latter have been totally misapprehended. In reading the institution of Baptism by our Lord, we find it to be no less distinct than that of Circumcision: the subjects are expressly pointed out to be "those who believe the gospel:" the time of its being attended to,—when they believe; while the mode, or manner of attending to it, is described by the name of the ordinance. We shall in the first place consider, what is the mode or manner of Baptism.
Baptize is a Greek word, which the translators of the Bible have only given an English form, but not translated. It properly signifies to dip, plunge, or immerse; and that in distinction from every other mode of washing, as well as from sprinkling, or pouring, which are expressed, in the original, by other words: and that such is its meaning is evident from the examples recorded. Jesus, having been baptized in Jordan, "went up out of the water," which shows he had been into it. Philip and the eunuch had already come unto a certain water, we are told, "they went both down into the water," that he might baptize him; and when this was performed, "they came up out of the water."
