John the Baptist, the herald and fore-runner of our Lord, predicted by the prophets. (See Isaiah 40:1-8; Malachi 3:1) I must refer to the Gospels for the history of the Baptist. It would far go beyond the limits of this work, to enter upon the account of John's life. One feature in his history and character I would only beg to an observation upon, and that is, indeed, in view, a very important one; namely, on his to the person and glory of Christ. The reader will recollect, that concerning John the Baptist, Jesus himself declared, that "among them that were born of women, there had never arisen a greater prophet than John the Baptist." (Matthew 11:11) Now attend to what this greatest born of women saith, concerning his almighty Master: "The Jews sent priests and Levites to ask John who he was; and he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they said, Who art thou? And he said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord?" (John 1:19-23. yea, to 31.) And what is a voice? Merely a sound, and no more. It is not so much as a person, but only ministers to a certain purpose, for which it is designed, and then dies away in the air, and is heard no more. Such, in comparison to the Lord Jesus Christ, was this greatest of all prophets, born among women. What a blessed testimony to the GODHEAD and glory of Oh! that Socinians and Deists would think of it!


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