From the writings of Grotius we gather that some ancients baptized with
water in memory of the world being saved from the waters of the deluge.
Bancroft says: It is related by all the old Spanish historians that when
the Spaniards first visited Yucatan they found baptism administered to
both sexes between the ages of three and twelve: It was the duty of all
to have their children baptized, for by this ablution they believed they
received a purer nature and were protected against evil spirits and
misfortune. None could marry without it.[48]
Some baptised their children with ceremonies, which in many points
resembled those in use among Christians.[49]
Smith in his Bible dictionary[50] says: It is well known that ablution
or bathing was common in most ancient nations as a preparation for
prayers and sacrifice or as expiatory of sin.
There is a natural connection in the mind between the thought of
physical and spiritual pollution. In warm countries this connection is
probably closer than in colder climates; hence the frequency of ablution
in the religious rites of the East.
The history of Israel and the law of Moses abound with such lustrations.
The consecration of the high priest deserves special notice. It was
first by baptism then by unction and lastly by sacrifice.
From the gospel history[51] we learn that at that time ceremonial
washings had been greatly multiplied by traditions of the doctors and
elders. The most important and probably one of the oldest of these
traditional customs was the baptism of proselytes.
These usages of the Jews will account for the readiness with which all
men flocked to the baptism of John the Baptist.[52]
Schürer in his history of the Jewish people[53] devotes several pages to
giving reasons for believing that the Jews baptized proselytes long
before the coming of Christ.