nothing but Moses, and David, and Samuel, and the prophets. Let us search the books of the Old Testa- ment more closely. It was said by Him whose words can never pass away, " these are they which testify of me." (John v. 40.)
Let us observe, in the third place, how great ivere the effects which the ministry of John the Baptist produced for a time on the Jewish nation. We are told that " there went out to him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan."
The fact here recorded is one that is much overlooked. We are apt to lose sight of him who went before the face of our Lord, and to see nothing but the Lord Him- self. We forget the morning star in the full blaze of the Sun. And yet it is clear that John's preaching arrested the attention of the whole Jewish people, and created an excitement all over Palestine. It aroused the nation from its slumbers, and prepared it for the ministry of our Lord, when He appeared. Jesus Himself says, " He was a burning and a shining light : — ye were willing to re- joice for a season in his light." (John v. 35.)
We ought to remark here how little dependence is to be placed on what is called u popularity." If ever there was one who was a popular minister for a season, Julm the Baptist was that man. Yet of all the crowds who came to his baptism, and heard his preaching, how few, it may be feared, were converted ! Some, we may hope, like Andrew, were guided by John to Christ. But the vast majority, in all probability, died in their sins. Let us remember this whenever we see a crowded eirarch.
A great congregation no doubt is a pleasing sight. But the thought should often come across our minds, " How many of these people will reach heaven at last ?" It is not enough to hear and admire popular preachers. It is no proof of our conversion that we always worship in a place where there is a crowd. Let us take care that we hear the voice of Christ Himself, and follow Him.
Let us observe, in the last place, ivhat clear doctrine characterized John the Baptist's preaching. He exalted Christ : " There cometh one mightier than I after me." He spoke plainly of the Holy Ghost : " He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."
These truths had never been so plainly proclaimed be- fore by mortal man. More important truths than these are not to be found in the whole system of Christianity at this day. The principal work of every faithful min- ister of the Gospel, is to set the Lord Jesus fully before His people, and to show them His fulness and His power to save. — The next great work He has to do, is to set before them the work of the Holy Ghost, and the need of being born again, and inwardly baptized by His grace. • — These two mighty truths appear to have been fre- quently on the lips of John the Baptist. It would be well for the church and the world, if there were more ministers like him.
Let us ask ourselves, as we leave the passage, " How much we know by practical experience of the truths which John preached ?" What think we of Christ ? Have we felt our need of Him, and fled to Him for peace ? Is He king over our hearts, and all things to our souls ? — What think we of the Holy Ghost ? Has