Was not also our blessed Saviour baptised with water ? For his own sake, he was certainly not baptised, as little as he, for his own sake, was put under the law. Gal. 4, 4. At his baptism, the heavens were opened unto him ; for he is our great high priest, who entered into the holy places by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption for us, Heb. 9, 12 ; so that when the heavens were opened for him, it was for our redemption. At his baptism, the spirit of God was seen descending like a dove, and lighting upon him. Hence the Holy Spirit with celestial glory accompanied his baptism ! Wonderful ! this blessed spirit revealed himself in water ! This is sufficient to sanctify our baptism ! For our sakes he was anointed with the spirit, or with the oil of gladness," Heb. 1, 9–otherwise we ever should have remained wretched and sorrowful. At his baptism, the father's voice from heaven said, " This is my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased," see Math. 3, 16, 17 ; Mark 1, 9, 11 ; Luke 3, 21, 23 ; John 1, 31, 34. This proclamation of the father was also for our sakes ; as it is said on another occasion, when " a voice from heaven was heard, the people said it thundered ; and others, an angel spake to him." But Jesus answered, " This voice came not because of me, but for your sakes," John 12, 28, 30.

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