When the Gospel dispensation was introduced, gifts and blessings were obtained upon similar principles--that is, upon obedience to certain established rules. The Lord still marked out certain acts, promising to all those who would do them, certain peculiar privileges; and when those acts were performed--observed in every particular--then the blessings promised were sure to be realized. Some vainly imagine that, under the Gospel dispensation, gifts and blessings are obtained, _not_ by external observances, or _external_ works, but merely through faith and repentance, through mental operations, independent of physical. But, laying aside the traditions, superstitions, and creeds of men, we will look to the word of God, where we shall discover that _external_ works, or _outward_ ordinances, under the Gospel dispensation, were inseparably connected with _inward_ works, such as faith and repentance. In proof of this, I introduce the following observations:--The Savior says, "Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and _do not the things_ which I say?" Again, he says, "He that heareth my words, and doeth them, shall be likened unto a man that built his house upon a rock." And, "He that believeth and is _baptized_ shall be saved." Likewise, he says, "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."--John iii. 5. These sayings of our Savior require men to perform external works in order to receive their salvation. On the day of Pentecost, Peter says to the surrounding multitude--"Repent and be baptized, for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." In this prophetic statement, we learn that people were to perform an external work (baptism in water) in order that they might receive the remission of sins, and afterwards the gift of the Holy Ghost. But, before attending to the outward work, the inward work must be performed--faith and repentance. Faith and repentance go before baptism, and baptism before the remission of sins and the reception of the Holy Ghost. Hence, we see the useless and unscriptural practice of baptizing infants. They cannot exercise faith and repentance, qualifications necessary previous to baptism; then, why require the outward work? {79} Some suppose they must obtain religion before they are baptized, but the Savior and apostles teach us to be baptized in order to get religion.