As many as are persuaded and believe that what we teach and say is true, and undertake to be able to live accordingly, are instructed to pray and to entreat God with fasting, for the remission of their sins that are past, we praying and fasting with them. Then they are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated in the same manner in which we were ourselves regenerated. For, in the name of God, the FatherĀ and Lord of the universe, and of our Savior Jesus Christ, and of the Holy Spirit, they then receive the washing with water.
Justin Martyr
First Apology
Chapter LXI