Men and Women of the Bible
229
and nobles, whether they would hear or reject it.—
Selected Messages
2:148, 149
.
The Power of His Words—It was the purpose of John to startle
and arouse the people, and cause them to tremble because of their great
wickedness. In simplicity and plainness, he pointed out the errors and
crimes of men. A power attended his words, and, reluctant as the
people were to hear the denunciation of their unholy lives, 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.
[359]
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-
ing sins. His discourses were plain, pointed, and convincing.—
The
Review and Herald, January 7, 1873
.
Voice Startling and Stern—With no elaborate arguments or fine-
spun theories did John declare his message. Startling and stern, yet
full of hope, his voice was heard from the wilderness: “Repent ye: for
the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 3:2
. With a new, strange
power it moved the people. The whole nation was stirred. Multitudes
flocked to the wilderness.—
Testimonies for the Church 8:332
.
Burden of His Mission—With vision illuminated by the divine
Spirit he studied the characters of men, that he might understand how
to reach their hearts with the message of heaven. The burden of his
mission was upon him. In solitude, by meditation and prayer, he
sought to gird up his soul for the lifework before him—
The Desire of
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Ages, 102
.
Trumpet Tones—John had preached the coming of the Messiah.
In trumpet tones the words of the forerunner of Christ had rung in their
ears.—
The Review and Herald, February 13, 1900
.