Life and Mission of John
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attended his words, and, reluctant as the people were to hear the
denunciation of their unholy lives, yet they could not resist his words.
He flattered none; neither would he receive flattery of any. The people,
as if with common consent, came to him repenting, and confessing
their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan.
Kings and rulers came to the wilderness to hear the prophet, and
were interested, and deeply convicted as he fearlessly pointed out their
particular sins. His discernment of character and spiritual sight read
the purposes and hearts of those who came to him, and he fearlessly
told, both rich and poor, the honorable and the lowly, that without
repentance of their sins, and a thorough conversion, although they
might claim to be righteous, they could not enjoy the favor of God, and
have part in the kingdom of the Messiah, whose coming he announced.
In the spirit and with the power of Elijah, John denounced the
corruptions of the Jews, and raised his voice in reproving their prevail-
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ing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing. Many
were brought to repentance of their sins, and, as evidence of their
repentance, were baptized of him in Jordan. This was the preparatory
work for the ministry of Christ. Many were convicted because of the
plain truths uttered by this faithful prophet; but, by rejecting the light,
they became enshrouded in deeper darkness, so that they were fully
prepared to turn from the evidences attending Jesus, that he was the
true Messiah.
As John looked forward to the ministry and miracles of Christ,
he appealed to the people, “saying, Repent ye; for the kingdom of
Heaven is at hand.” He was successful in his ministry. Persons of
all rank, high and low, rich and poor, submitted to the requirements
of the prophet, as necessary for them in order to participate in the
kingdom he came to declare. Many of the scribes and Pharisees came
to him, confessing their sins, and were baptized of him in Jordan. The
confessions made by the Pharisees astonished the prophet; for they
had exalted themselves as better than other men, and had maintained
a high opinion of their own piety and worthiness. As they sought to
obtain remission of their sins, and revealed the secrets of their lives,
which had been covered from the eyes of men, the prophet was amazed.
“But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his
baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned
you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth, therefore, fruits