See how Paul rejoiced in the conversion of menk: and such are the feelings of every minister, in proportion as he is ani- mated with Christian zeal and love ]
Whilst the Baptist thus disinterestedly declares that the conversion of sinners to Christ was to him a source of joy, he predicts, II. That it shall advance in despite of every obstacle —
Those who are the instruments of diffusing the knowledge of Christ must wax and wane : however distinguished they may be for a time, they must soon " decrease." But Christ, and his interests, must
increase."
He must increase,
1. In the estimation of his chosen people —
[The envy of some, and the malignity of others, will be exerted to damp the ardour of our affections, and to shake our fidelity towards him : and, where a profession of regard for him has been lightly taken up, the enemies of Christ will succeed in drawing us from our allegiance to him. But, if we " have received the grace of God in truth," we shall never yield to their solicitations : and, " if any go out from us, it is because they were not of us : for, if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us1." The true Spouse of Christ may be tried and tempted ; but she will never renounce her connexion with him, or be unfaithful to her engagements. The more she is assaulted from without or from within, the more she will flee to him for succour : and her experience of his kindness will endear him to her ever more and more ; so that her love to him will be more ardent, her affiance in him more uniform, and her adherence to him more determined. Never will he be more dear to her, than when she has suffered the loss of all things for him. The language of her heart will be, " Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire in comparison of thee :" and " all other things will be counted but dross and dung in comparison of the knowledge of him." In short, she will " grow in grace, as she grows in the knowledge" of her Divine Husband ]
2. In the estimation of the world at large —
[The Baptist's words were soon verified : for, in the space of a few years, the knowledge and love of Christ were diffused throughout all the Roman empire. But his influence is yet only in its commencement. There is a time coming when it
k 1 Thess. iii. 7—10. ' 1 Pet. ii. 19.