covenant and baptism SAMPLE

Chapter 1: On the Meaning of the Word BAPTIZE
To this it is replied, that the words have a true
and primary meaning, in which they are always
to be understood, unless the scope of the
passage necessarily limits us to the secondary
or improper signification.
If this principle be given up, the greatest
confusion will be introduced into everything
that is spoken or written. Words are used as
signs to express our ideas; and to prevent the
unnecessary multiplication of these signs, the
same word is used in different senses, which
are all connected with, and spring from the
original meaning of the word. Thus, the
English word dip, according to Dr. Johnson,
signifies, 1. to immerse, to put into any liquor;
2. to moisten, to wet; 3. to be engaged in any
affair; 4. to engage as a pledge.
These different meanings arise out of the
first, and we find no difficulty in understanding
the word in its various applications. But what
should we think of a person who maintained,
that a commandment to dip anything signified
merely to wet or moisten it, or to engage it as a
pledge; and produced Dr. Johnson’s authority
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