proofs of this kind, but sufficient has already been said in proof that baptism is absolutely necessary with faith and repentance. We will now occupy a moment in endeavoring to obtain a proper view of the mode in which baptism was administered. It is quite evident that there was but one way or mode in which this ordinance was to be administered, and that mode was explained to the apostles, and strictly adhered to in all their administrations. In order that we may obtain a proper notion of this subject, it will be necessary to refer to the circumstances under which baptism was administered. It says of John, that he baptized at Aenon, "because there was much water there;" then, if sprinkling had been the mode, we can hardly suppose he would have gone to Aenon, because there was much water at that place: for a very little water indeed would have sprinkled all Judea, which he could have obtained without having performed a journey to Aenon. We are told, also, that he baptized in Jordan, and after the ordinance was administered to our Savior, he came up out of the water, expressly signifying that he had been down into the water, in order that the ordinance might be administered in a proper manner. Again, it speaks of the Eunuch, that he went down into the water with Philip, and then came up out of the water. Now, it must be acknowledged, by every one who makes any pretensions to reason and consistency, that had sprinkling a little water on the forehead answered the purpose, then those persons never would have gone into the water to receive the ordinance. Paul, in writing to the Saints, gives us a plain testimony in favour of immersion--(2nd Col. 12th verse; also, 6th Romans, 4th verse). That apostle states there, that the Saints had been buried with Christ by baptism. It is plainly evident they could not have been buried by baptism, without having been entirely overwhelmed or covered in water. An object cannot be said to be buried when any portion of it remains uncovered; so, also, a man is not buried in water by baptism unless his whole person is put into the watery element. This explanation of the apostle, upon the mode of baptism, very beautifully corresponds with that given by our Savior--"Except ye be born of water," &c. To be born of a thing signifies being placed in that thing, and emerging {83} or coming forth from it; to be born of water must also signify being placed in the womb of waters, and being brought forth again. I trust sufficient has already been said to convince every reasonable and unprejudiced mind that immersion was the mode in which the ordinance of baptism was administered in the early days of Christianity, when the Gospel was proclaimed in its purity and fulness; therefore, I will close my observations upon this point.