V. 2.— Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. It may seem strange that the doctrine of baptism and laying on of hands should be introduced along with repentance and faith. But repentance and faith were enforced in the Jewish economy, in which there were divers baptisms, Hebrews 9:10, signifying the necessity of repentance. In like manner, the laying on of hands on the sacrifice about to be offered, represents faith. The worshipper, by laying his hands on the victim, confessing his sins, expressed his faith of remission through the shedding of blood. Hebrews 9:22. [The baptisms here spoken of cannot refer to the ordinance of Christ, for there is but one Christian baptism. Ephesians 4:5. The resurrection of the dead, which is a most prominent part of the doctrine of Christ, was plainly taught by Moses and the prophets, and generally believed by the Jews. Acts 24:15; John 11:24; Acts 23:6; Mark 12:23; Mark 12:27; while the Sadducees denied it. Acts 23:8. The faith of the resurrection implied the future judgment. Indeed the future judgment was implied by mankind after the fall being divided into two classes, while all were to return to the dust. The separation must be made after death, so that the resurrection and the judgment were clearly taught from the beginning. All go to one place whatever be their character, the grave receives them all; in dividing mankind into two classes after the fall, God clearly intimated the general judgment It is called eternal judgment, because its decisions will never be reversed.]