(1.) That it is _a sign_ of spiritual blessings. Of Abraham we are told, that he “received _the sign_ of circumcision.” (Rom. iv. 11.) This Ordinance _represented_ “the putting off of the body of the sins of the flesh.” Baptism with water also _signifies_ the washing of the soul from sin;—both from the guilt of it by forgiveness and from the pollution of it. When Saul of Tarsus was bidden to “be baptized, and wash away his sins,” this twofold purification was visibly represented. And so it is in all cases. “The putting away of the filth of the flesh” by the application of “pure water” to the body, does in a very simple and intelligible, yet striking and significant manner, represent the purging of the conscience by the sprinkling of the blood of Christ, and the cleansing of the heart from its filthiness and idols by God’s Holy Spirit. It symbolizes both pardon and purity:—especially the latter;—the soul’s death unto sin and its new birth unto righteousness. (2.) Like circumcision, baptism is also _a seal_. “Abraham” (as we also read in Rom. iv. 11,) “received circumcision, _a seal_ of the righteousness of the faith, which he had yet being uncircumcised.” A seal ratifies a Deed, and is a token and pledge that the engagements of it will be fulfilled by all the contracting parties. When Abraham submitted to circumcision, he ratified or confirmed his former faith in God and obedience to Him; and God, by the same pledge, assured Abraham of his justification—of his adoption into His family—and that he should finally inherit a better country, that is, Heaven. Baptism, in like manner, is _a seal_ on the part of those who receive it rightly, that they believe in God through Christ, and regard themselves as bound to forsake all sin, and to serve Him unto their lives’ end: and God thereby visibly assures them of the remission of their sins and of their adoption as His children, and that, as He gives them grace, so He will give them glory. And if this visible seal of the Covenant had not been serviceable, the wise and gracious God would never, either in the case of circumcision or baptism, have caused it to be affixed unto it.