Some of our oldest writings[38] indicate the use of this formula in some places, probably in the early part or middle of the second century. Yet, Schaff, who was familiar with all these old records, says this formula is not traceable in its present shape earlier than the fourth century. Evidently the apostles and first Christians continued to baptize with water, because it was a conspicuous feature in the special mission of John the Baptist as well as a Jewish rite in which they and their fathers were educated. They had no thought of Christ's command as authority for water baptism. Paul said plainly that he had no such authority. Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the Gospel.[39] Paul thanked God that he had baptized so few.[40] He could not have spoken thus slightly of Christian baptism. It must have dawned upon him that in the fulness of the Christian dispensation there was no place for water baptism; otherwise how could he thank God that he had baptized so few? What dispenser of water baptism could give such thanks in this day? Paul circumcised Timothy, and perhaps Titus, because of the Jews. Did he not baptize those few with water for the same pacific purpose, or did he not at first receive full light upon this subject?[41] Some assume that Christ gave others authority to baptize which did not extend to Paul. We cannot believe that all Christ's ministers to the end of the world were commissioned to baptize with water, Paul only rejected.[42] This reflects unjustly upon Paul, the great apostle to us Gentiles.[43] Is it not a mere evasion of the gospel truth here and elsewhere inculcated, that Christ gave no commission to baptize with water?[44] John the Baptist was sent or commissioned to baptize with water and the Holy Spirit once descended as John baptized with water.[45] The apostles were commissioned to go preach the Gospel after they should be endued with power from on high.[46] We read that the Holy Spirit descended as the apostles preached the Gospel. [47] Neither the apostles nor disciples were ever commissioned to baptize with water; and so far as we read, the Holy Spirit never descended as they did baptize with water. FOOTNOTES: [Footnote 31: 1 Cor. 1.17; Acts 13.47; Rom. 1.16] [Footnote 32: Luke 24.47; Luke 24.49] [Footnote 33: Mat. 28.19; Mat. 3.11; Mark 1.8; Luke 3.16; Jon. 1.26, 33; Acts 11.16; 1 Cor. 1.17; Acts 10.42] [Footnote 34: Acts 2.38; Acts 8.16; Acts 10.48; Acts 19.5; Acts 8.12, 13] [Footnote 35: Acts 8.38; Acts 9.18; Acts 18.8, 25; Acts 16.15, 33] [Footnote 36: Jon. 4.2] [Footnote 37: Acts 18.25; Acts 19.3, 5] [Footnote 38: "The Ante-Nicene Fathers"; "The teachings of the twelve Apostles"; Ecclesiastical History Vol. 1, P. 164] [Footnote 39: 1 Cor. 1.17] [Footnote 40: 1 Cor. 1.14] [Footnote 41: Acts 16.3; Gal. 2.3, 5; 1 Cor. 1.14] [Footnote 42: 1 Tim. 2.7] [Footnote 43: 2 Tim. 1.11] [Footnote 44: 1 Cor. 1.17] [Footnote 45: Jon. 1.33; Mark 1.10; Luke 3.22]