mere earthly witness (0 é« THs ys) whose words bear the stamp of his earthly origin (é« tis yfjs Nade?). Being from heaven, He testifies of heavenly things, as an eye- and ear-witness. “What He hath seen and heard, of that he beareth witness.” It is indeed true that men reject this testimony. ‘No man re- ceiveth His witness” (ver. 32). None the less it is worthy of implicit credence as the testimony of God himself. He that has received that testimony has solemnly attested it as God’s own witness; “hath set his seal to this, that God is true.” To declare Jesus’ testimony untrue is to declare God untrue (ver. 33). For He whom God hath sent utters the whole divine mes- sage (the words of God, ver. 34).
Thus far the reasoning is directed to the conclusion that Jesus ought to increase, and that His message ought to be re- ceived. He is God’s own messenger out of heaven, and speaks God’s own words.
The common explanation of the succeeding clause is that God bestows the Spirit upon Jesus in His fulness, “not by measure.”
But this is to repeat what has already been more than im- plied. It would seem to be superfluous to say of one who comes out of heaven, who is supreme over all things, who bears wit- ness of heavenly things which He has seen and heard, and who reveals the whole message of God to men—that God bestows upon Him the Spirit without measure.
Take up, then, the chain of thought from the first clause of ver. 34, and follow it on another line. The Messenger of God speaks the words of God, and thus shows himself worthy of credence, and shows this further, by dispensing the gift of the Spirit in full measure to His disciples. “He giveth not the Spirit by measure.” This interpretation adds a new link to the chain of thought ; a new reason why Jesus should increase, and His testimony be received ; the reason, namely, that not only is He himself divinely endowed with the Spirit, but that He proves it by dispensing the Spirit in full measure.
Thus ver. 35 follows in natural sequence. This dispensing power which attests His claims, is His through the gift of the divine Father’s love. ‘The Father loveth the Son, and hath