READING.—Naaman, II Kings 5:1-14.
CHAPTER XXXVI.
IV. What does such baptising with water signify?
It signifies that the old Adam in us is to be drowned and destroyed by daily sorrow and repentance, together with all sins and evil lusts; and that again the new man should daily come forth and rise, that shall live in the presence of God in righteousness and purity forever.
Where is it so written?
St. Paul, in the epistle to the Romans, chapter 6, verse 4, says: "We are buried with Christ by baptism into death; that like as He was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
THE DUTY WHICH BAPTISM IMPOSES.
Baptism bestows upon us the great privilege of being children of God; but it also imposes upon us the duty to live and act as God's children. Every one who is baptized promises, either with his own lips or through his sponsors, that he will live thus. God is always faithful to His part of the baptismal covenant; we should always be faithful to ours. Our duty is two-fold:—