XVII. Now, since our Festival is of Baptism,
and we must endure a little hardness with Him Who for our sake took
form, and was baptized, and was crucified; let us speak about the
different kinds of Baptism, that we may come out thence purified.
Moses baptized Lev. xi. but it was in
water, and before that in the cloud and in the sea. 1 Cor. x. 2. This was typical as Paul saith; the
Sea of the water, and the Cloud of the Spirit; the Manna, of the Bread
of Life; the Drink, of the Divine Drink. John also baptized; but
this was not like the baptism of the Jews, for it was not only in
water, but also “unto repentance.” Still it was not
wholly spiritual, for he does not add “And in the
Spirit.” Jesus also baptized, but in the Spirit. This
is the perfect Baptism. And how is He not God, if I may digress a
little, by whom you too are made God? I know also a Fourth
Baptism—that by Martyrdom and blood, which also Christ himself
underwent:—and this one is far more august than all the others,
inasmuch as it cannot be defiled by after-stains. Yes, and I know
of a Fifth also, which is that of tears, and is much more laborious,
received by him who washes his bed every night and his couch with
tears; Ps. vi. 6. whose bruises stink
through his wickedness; Ib. xxxviii.
5. and who goeth
mourning and of a sad countenance; who imitates the repentance of
Manasseh 2 Chron. xxxviii. 12. and the humiliation
of the Ninevites Jon. iii. 7–10. upon which God had
mercy; who utters the words of the Publican in the Temple, and is
justified rather than the stiff-necked Pharisee; Luke xviii. 13. who like the Canaanite woman bends down and
asks for mercy and crumbs, the food of a dog that is very
hungry. Matt. xv. 27.