Page:Tracts for the Times Vol 2.djvu/542

4 what comes last is the conclusive, and supersedes what went before. Though salvation came by mere faith, before the passion and resurrection, yet when faith is enlarged by the doctrines of the Nativity, Passion, and Resurrection, the covenant receives an enlargement also, viz. the seal of baptism, as though a sort of garment for faith, which before was naked, but now is sanctioned by its peculiar appointments. For the appointment of dipping is given, and a form of words prescribed…

We have but one Baptism, whether in Gospels or Epistles; there is one, one Baptism, one Church in the heavens.… Once only we enter the sacred water, once we wash away our sins, because to repeat them is not a Christian's part. Israel, according to the law, uses daily washings, as being daily defiled. To hinder this practice in us, the doctrine of the one baptism has been set forth. Blessed is the water which cleanses once for all, which sinners cannot make light of, which receives no stain from the recurrence of defilement, so as to pollute those whom it washes.…

Easter is the most solemn time for baptism; when the passion of the, into which we are baptized, was accomplished. We may suitably apply our words, when He sent His disciples to prepare for His last passover. "Ye shall find a man," he said, "bearing a pitcher of water." … Next, the season of Pentecost. Blessed are ye for whom the grace of is waiting, what time ye ascend out of that holiest bath of your new birth, and first spread out your hands in your mother's presence with your brethren; ask of the, ask of the  who imparts His many gifts, and says, "ask and ye shall find." For ye have already sought, and ye have found; ye have knocked, and it has been opened to you. Only I pray, that when you ask, you would also remember me, Tertullian, a sinner.