[43] 2 Tim. 1.11
[44] 1 Cor. 1.17
[45] Jon. 1.33; Mark 1.10; Luke 3.22
[46] Luke 24.47, 49; Acts 1.4, 8; Acts 10.42, 45; Acts 11.15, 16
[47] 1 Cor. 2.4; 1 Thes. 1.5; 1 Peter 1.12
WATER BAPTISM IN HISTORY AS A PAGAN AND JEWISH RITE.
From the writings of Grotius we gather that some ancients baptized with water in memory of the world being saved from the waters of the deluge.
Bancroft says: It is related by all the old Spanish historians that when the Spaniards first visited Yucatan they found baptism administered to both sexes between the ages of three and twelve: It was the duty of all to have their children baptized, for by this ablution they believed they received a purer nature and were protected against evil spirits and misfortune. None could marry without it.[48]
Some baptised their children with ceremonies, which in many points resembled those in use among Christians.[49]