Tertullian — Against Praxeas 10

We have spoken, so far as our moderate ability permitted, of the generals which form the groundwork of the sanctity of baptism . I will now, equally to the best of my power, proceed to the rest of its character, touching certain minor questions. The baptism announced by John formed the subject, even at that time, of a question, proposed by the Lord Himself indeed to the Pharisees , whether that baptism were heavenly, or truly earthly: about which they were unable to give a consistent answer, inasmuch as they understood not, because they believed not. But we , with but as poor a measure of understanding as of faith , are able to determine that that baptism was divine indeed, (yet in respect of the command, not in respect of efficacy too, in that we read that John was sent by the Lord to perform this duty,) but human in its nature: for it conveyed nothing celestial, but it fore-ministered to things celestial; being, to wit, appointed over repentance , which is in man's power. In fact, the doctors of the law and the Pharisees , who were unwilling to believe , did not repent either. But if repentance is a thing human , its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature: else, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the Holy Spirit and remission of sins . But none either pardons sins or freely grants the Spirit save God only. Even the Lord Himself said that the Spirit would not descend on any other condition, but that He should first ascend to the Father. John 16:6-7…

11. Answer to the Objection that The Lord Did Not Baptize. But behold, say some, the Lord came, and baptized not; for we read, 'And yet He used not to baptize , but His disciples !' John 4:2 As if, in truth , John had preached that He would baptize with His own hands! Of course, his words are not so to be understood, but as simply spoken after an ordinary manner; just as, for instance, we say, The emperor set forth an edict, or, The prefect cudgelled him. Pray does the emperor in person set forth, or the prefect in person cudgel? One whose ministers do a thing is always said to do it. So He will baptize you will have to be understood as standing for, Through Him, or Into Him, you will be baptized . But let not (the fact) that He Himself baptized not trouble any. For into whom should He baptize ? Into repentance? Of what use, then, do you make His forerunner? Into remission of sins , which He used to give by a word? Into Himself, whom by humility He was concealing? Into the Holy Spirit , who had not yet descended from the Father? Into the Church , which His apostles had not yet founded? And thus it was with the selfsame baptism of John that His disciples used to baptize , as ministers, with which John before had baptized as forerunner. Let none think it was with some other, because no other exists, except that of Christ subsequently; which at that time, of course, could not be given by His disciples , inasmuch as the glory of the Lord had not yet been fully attained, nor the…