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Ruch modern and contemptible notions as some persons are pleased to think.
The untenableness of the view, held by many, that John's baptism was not the same as Christian bap' ism, to all intents and purposes, is ably shown by Lin^htfoot, in his Harmony of the Four Evangelists. If it was not Christian baptism, it would be hard to prove that some of the disciples ever received Chris- tian baptism at all. There is not the slightest evidence that Andrew, Peter, and Philip were baptized by Jesus.
The familiarity which John displays with the Holy Ghost and his work, deserves particular attention. To say, as many do, that the Holy Grliost was not known until the day of Pentecost, is saying what cannot be proved. The Holy Grhost has always been in the hearts of believers in every age of the world. His abundant outpouring is undoubtedly a leading mark of the days since Christ came into the world. But the Holy Ghost was ever in God's elect, and without Him there never was a soul saved. 34. — [/ saw and hare record, dx.] This means, " I saw perfectly, and from that time have distinctly and unhesitatingly testified that the person whom you now see before you is the Christ, the Son of the living God. From the day of His baptism I have been fully convinced that this is the Messiah."
John here declares his own firm conviction of our Lord's divinity and eternal generation. He w^as satisfied that our Lord was not the son of Mary only, but the Son of God.