Our third argument is deduced from the design or import of baptism. On this topic of argument we shall be as full as possible, because of its great importance, and because perhaps neither Baptists nor Pedobaptists sufficiently appreciate it. I will first merely refer to the oracles of God, which show that baptism is an ordinance of the greatest importance and of momentous significance. Never was there an ordinance of so great import or design. It is to be but once administered. We are to pray often, praise often, show forth the Lord’s death often, commemorate his resurrection every week, but we are to be baptized but once. Its great significance can be seen from the following testimonies: The Lord saith, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16). He does not say, “He that believeth and keeps my commandments shall be saved,” but he saith, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” He placeth baptism on the right hand of faith. Again, he tells Nicodemus that “unless a man be born of water and of the Spirit he can not enter into the kingdom of God.” Peter, on the day of Pentecost, places baptism in the same exalted place. “Repent,” says he, “and be baptized, every one of you, for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Ananias saith to Paul, “Arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling upon the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Paul saith to the Corinthians, “Ye were once fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, effeminate, thieves, covetous, drunkards, rioters, extortioners, but ye are washed in the name of the Lord Jesus,” doubtless referring to their baptism. He tells Titus, “God our Father saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit” (Titus 3:5). See again its dignified importance. Peter finishes the grand climax in praise of baptism: “Baptism doth now also save us ... by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (I Peter 3:21). It was this view of baptism misapplied that originated infant baptism. The first errorists on this subject argued that if baptism was so necessary for the remission of sins, it should be administered to infants, whom they represented as in great need of it on account of their “original sin.” Affectionate parents, believing their children to be guilty of “original sin,” were easily persuaded to have them baptized for the remission of “original sin,” not for washing away sins actually committed. Faith in Christ is necessary to forgiveness of sins, therefore baptism without faith is an unmeaning ceremony.