ip of Christ_. "I have seen and
have borne witness that this is the Son of God." This witness counts
for much. John knew men, knew himself, knew Christ. He would not have
said so much unless he had been profoundly convinced; and he would not
have been profoundly convinced unless irrefragable evidence had been
presented to him. What though, when on the following day he repeats
his exclamation, his whole congregation leaves him to follow the Man of
Nazareth to his home? The heart of the Forerunner is satisfied, for he
has heard the Bridegroom's voice. The Son of God has come, and has
given him an understanding that he might know Him that is true.

IX.

"We must increase, but I must decrease."

(JOHN III. 30.)

"Where is the lore the Baptist taught,
The soul unswerving and the fearless tongue?
The much-enduring wisdom, sought
By lonely prayer the haunted rocks among?
Who counts it gain
His light would wane,
So the whole world to Jesus throng?"
KEBLE.

The Moral Greatness of the Baptist--Thoughts on Envy--Christian
Consecration--The Baptist's Creed--The Voice of the Beloved

From the Jordan Valley our Lord returned to Galilee and Nazareth. The
marriage feast of Cana, his return to Jerusalem, the cleansing of the
Temple, and the interview with Nicodemus, followed in rapid succession.
And when the crowds of Passover pilgrims were dispersing homewards, He
also left the city with his disciples, and began a missionary tour
throughout the land of Judaea.

This tour is not much dwelt upon in Scripture. We only catch a glimpse
of it here in the 22nd verse, and again in the address of the apostle
Peter to Cornelius, where he speaks of Christ preaching good tidings of
peace throughout all Judaea (Acts x. 36, 37). How long it lasted we
cannot tell; but it must have occupied some months, for He tarried from
time to time at different points.

It is not likely that our Lord unfolded his Messianic character, or
taught with the same clearness as in after days. For the most part, He
would adopt the cry of the Baptist. Of the commencement of his
ministry it is recorded: "Jesus came, ... preaching the Gospel of God,
and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand:
repent ye, and believe in the Gospel'" (Mark i. 14, 15). But his deeds
declared his royalty.

Wherever He went He was welcomed with vast enthusiasm. The scenes
which had occurred