Some deem it wrong to number baptism among the essential principles ordained of God, to be attended to in obtaining remission of sins. In reply, we say that the Savior and apostles have done so before us, therefore we feel obligated to follow their example. The destruction of the Antediluvian world by water was typical of receiving remission of sins through baptism. The earth had become clothed with sin as with a garment; the righteous were brought and saved from the world of sin, even by water; the like figure, even baptism, doth now save us, says Peter (1 Peter iii. 21), by the answer of "a good conscience toward God." Noah and his family were removed, and disconnected from sins and pollutions, by means of water; so baptism, the like figure, doth now remove our souls from sins and pollutions, through faith on the great atonement made upon Calvary. Many express surprise that such blessings should be had through baptism. Naaman, when told to wash in Jordan seven times, was equally surprised; but, trying the experiment, he found the word of God to be true; his leprosy, his physical pollution, was thereby removed, and was typical of the removal of spiritual pollutions in the Gospel dispensation, by baptism in water, through faith and repentance. Through the means of water Naaman, we have seen, obtained a miraculous blessing; also the blind man, whom the Savior directed to Wash in the pool of Siloam, received his sight by means of water. The Savior, after coming out of the river Jordan, received the Holy Ghost. These examples show clearly that water has been appointed a medium through which heavenly blessings are obtained. "Be baptized," says Peter, "for the remission of sins."--Acts ii. 38. Ananias says to Saul (Acts xxii. 16), "Arise and be baptized, and wash away thy sins." In the city of Samaria, the people baptized by Philip, it is said, rejoiced. They rejoiced because of the remission of their sins, through baptism; so, also, in the case of the Eunuch (Acts viii. 39), after coming out of the water, having obtained remission of his sins, his conscience becoming void of offence toward God, he was enabled to go on his way rejoicing.