The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-01-09

us in the sense of his being numbered with
transgressors. Ps 30: IL; lsa., IS: j.
Its interesting to notice he prayed st. Luke
(3:2l) has preserved this fact. We would love
to know tho prayer offered. This petition is Il
feature of his incarnation, and at least partial
explanation OF his baptism. Prayer IS proof OF
dependence, humanness. and baptism was az
becoming Christ as prayer. st. Mt, ii: 23; 26:
1914: ST. Mark /: 35: St Lu., 8: IL; 9: Is, %,
90; D. 81, IL: %: 81, &C.
Our Saviour seems, in St. Matt. 81 % %. to
appeal 10 his baptism by St. John Baptist as
ground of bis authority to do as in 81: 12
We can teach that Gods spirit led Jesus to go
from Nazareth to Bethlehem for tho purpose OF
baptism Compare 4: 1.
We notice how ingeniOusly Christ converts
the assertion of St. John Baptist rs to the snpe-
riority of the character OF Jesus over that of ST
John Baptist, into argument III favor OF his
being baptized by st. John Baptist. II so good,
then surely he tChristl will not decline single
item of righteousness.
Suppose there had CHANGED to be a perfectly
innocent. holy Jew Ia mere man. however,;
would he have refused the ordinances Of the
Church (Jewish)? Purity of character ought
not unchurch person ought not deprive him
Of church privileges.
1t seems Christ went TO st. John Baptist
for the purpose of receiving his (St. john Bap-
lists baptism. Why did Jesus wish this ord-
HdHCtE MOI beCauSe He lCtI CbHsciOHSHeS9 VI
personal sinfuluess Not because, according to
Levitical law. he was related TO an unclean.
impure people Not to show that the weak
ness of the flesh and the life Of the Spirit were
Incompatible. Not because baptism implies
that the receiver is subject 10 tho penalty Of
death. Many think his ba ptism by water was
typical OF his baptism OF suffering and DEATH
1t was not for the purpose of receiving recoG-
milton from God Of biz Mcssiahship. Not to
confirm his fOisnwprs their faith him.
Not to approve hy his example OF the baptism
Of st. John Baptist Not to show his conscious
ness of the obligation to obey the law. Not
because he acted rs every Jew would prior to
the descent of the Holy Spirit. The fact is
this: God sent st. John Baptist 70 baptize.
Here was plain command. Christ, In order
TO fulfill all Righteousness. must obey all Gods
directions and conform to all Of Gods ordi.
nances. Hence Chris, was baptized, as to
accomplish every item demanded of the right
eous, or conditional to ones being righteous.
The Baptism IN Art.
There is n bronze group over the eastern
portal Of baptistry at Florence. The sculptor
was Andrea Contncoi le Sansovno (1460- 1920.
He was looked the Raphael of sculpture.
There are numerous sketches, representing
the baptism of Christ. drawn the walls Of
the caiacombs.
Veroccho and Leonardo da Vinchi executed
painting Of this scene on panel of the
FIorcntine Academy
Ruskin has beautifully described the cele-
brated painting at Florence by Jacopo Rolusti
(TiHtoretto) an Italian artist 18th century.
In the church at Luttich is bronze, cast
11l2 having for one of its relcfs the baptismal
scene.
The cathedral of Osnabruck has a similar
relief
There is rather rude pictorial representa-
tion of the Baptism of Christ in the church at
Beneventum. 1t is thought the work was done
in the second century.
The baptism was represented in Mosaic in
the church in Cosmedan, at Ravenna, erected
40I A. ID.