When Rev. Perkins discusses baptism, he states that if a minister performs the act, water is employed in some manner, and the proper words are spoken, one is baptized. He discusses only in passing, the death, burial, and resurrection symbolism that is reflected only in full immersion baptism. See Romans 6:4 and Colossians 2:12. The Bible tells us: - Everyone is a sinner. Romans 3:10-12, 23. - The penalty for sin is death (eternal separation from God). Romans 6:23a. - Our good deeds (works) do not save us. Isaiah 64:6. - Salvation is available as a free gift. Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23b. - Salvation is available to everyone who chooses to receive it. John 3:16. - Good works are the proper response of a grateful heart. Ephesians 2:10. - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." Acts 16:31. - The Gospel in four verses: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. TWENTY-FOUR DISCOURSES ON SOME OF THE Important and Interesting TRUTHS, DUTIES, and INSTITUTIONS of the GOSPEL, AND THE GENERAL EXCELLENCY OF THE Christian Religion; Calculated for the People of God of EVERY COMMUNION, PARTICULARLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF PIOUS FAMILIES, AND THE INSTRUCTION OF ALL, IN THE THINGS WHICH CONCERN THEIR SALVATION. ------------------ By NATHAN PERKINS, A. M. Pastor of a Church of CHRIST in Hartford. ------------------ HARTFORD: PRINTED BY HUDSON & GOODWIN. ================== MDCCXCV. _DEDICATION._ To the people of my Pastoral Charge--The following discourses are most affectionately dedicated. I account it a happiness to contribute to your establishment in the truth--to unfold to you the great principles, duties, and Institutions of the Christian Religion--to defend them against such as may rise up and deny them--and to lead you and your children in the right way of the Lord. I can bear you witness, that when these discourses were delivered, you afforded an uncommon attention. You have been very solicitous to have them made public, for your own instruction and benefit; and for the use and benefit of your children, when you shall be gathered to the great Congregation of the dead. They contain not the DISPUTED PECULIARITIES of a party, but the grand principles and truths of our common Christianity, held sacred by our CHURCHES in this Land, and by THE WHOLE PROTESTANT CHRISTIAN WORLD, as appears clearly from all THEIR PUBLIC CREEDS AND CONFESSIONS OF TRUTH. They are published, as you will easily recollect, nearly word for word, as they were delivered. _Particular reasons_ have induced me to do this. In one discourse only is there a deviation from the original form; _that_ on the Apostle's caution _Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines,_ or the danger of instability, and pernicious tendency of error. What was merely local is omitted, but the sentiments in substance are carefully retained.