That such baptism, accompanied with the mortifying of the flesh, and resurrection unto a new life, is taught and commended by Origen, is clearly expressed in his comments on Rom. 6:3: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” where he says: “But it seems to me that the apostle in this chapter does not prefix even the words: ‘_Know ye not_’ without a purpose. He thereby proves that at that time, that is, in the days of the apostles, it was not as it is now, that those who were baptized, received only the outward figure of the mysteries, but that also the power and intent of the same was imparted to them, and this to those who understood it, and had been instructed concerning it: that those who are baptized, are baptized into the death of Christ, and buried with him by baptism; and that those who are baptized must walk in newness of life, even as Christ rose from the dead, through the glory of the Father.” Also, _H. Mont. page 37_.
This is certainly expressing plainly and unequivocally, of what baptism he is treating,[97] namely, of such a baptism, of which the power and intent was imparted to those who understood it; by which they were buried into the death; by which they were raised, to walk in newness of life, etc., all of which are things that cannot be comprehended, much less undertaken and carried out, by infants. In this manner he speaks also in other places, as, for instance, in _Homilia 5, 4th and 5th chapters of the book Joshua_. Again, _Homil. 9, 8th and 9th chapters; Homil. 15, 11th chap._ Also, _Homil. 7, 15th chap. of the book of Judges. B. Hist. p. 291._
[97] At this time Origen taught that we must appeal to the Holy Scriptures; for without these no credence can be given to what we say. On _Jeremiah, Homil. 1._ See, _Samuel Veltius, in Geslacht-register der, etc., page 115_.