Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-02-17

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when they were baptized Of him in the
River Jordan. True repentance John re-
qufred to be demonstrated by a reforma-
ton Of their life. Every convert was eS-
pected to bring forth fruits worthy or
repentance.
The spiritual movement inaugurated by
John required social expression. John
did not hesitate to lay bare before the
multitude the sinful practices that must
be changed. Like the modern 'men and
religion movement" John demanded
The revival of John called for a reforma-
tfon that did not separate religion from
secular or political life. He saw that ex-
cept the will Of God was done in their
daily life his countrymen would be com
pletely destroyed. The AK was even then
at the root of the tree ready to cut II
down unless they repented and brought
forth the fruits of life that proved they
were children of faith like Abraham.
Popular Program.
The fearless presentation OF the mes
sage of God that proclaimed sin and
Judgment repentance and forgiveness
won the popular heart. They were
aroused. so that they requested definite
instructions as to what they should do.
John revealed his insight into human
life where selfishness is the root OF sin by
demanding division of personal prop
erty. He that hath two coats, let him
1mpart to him THAI hath none, and he
that i.atn 1904. ie, aim ID likewise
The spiritual life. according to John. is
one that helps meet the needs of HUI
mainly by giving what we may possess
SO that there may be no want OF cloth
ing and food. There ought not to be
any hunger or want in this world. II
We could eliminate the spirit OF selfish
ness that exists today, the problems
pressing for solution in connection with
no ~hA tn fiGf
told the publicans. who shared in the
graft of that day by collecting more
tnan VS. Due tGa. they shoi.d e~act no
more than the taxes required. John re-
vealed that he was an advocate OF peace
in his response to the soldiers questions
for advice. When he told them to cease
committing violence and taking anything
wrongfuliy by force. and be satisfied with
their pay, he took from the soldiers every
incentive that led them into II. army.
We have only fragments of the program
of John, for with many other exhorta-
lions he preached the good uuings unto
the people. but they reveal that the mes
senger from the wilderness had a vision
Of the kingdom of God that saw the need
of personal faith proven by public fruits.
He taught His disciples to fast and pray.
He aroused the publicans, pharisees and
people by His ministry so that they won
dered whether He was the Messiah Or
not.
Personal Power.
The elements Of Johns power as q
preacher would be difficult OF analysis.
His personality gave force to his mes
sage His life Of Righteousness. integrity
and poverty gave great strength to his
public ministry. He responded to . divine
call that came to him when he refused to
take the VOW of priesthood at shout
| A.
settle the problems Of life's work. He
listened to the message OF nature. fol-
lowed the teachings Of the Holy Spirit.
and mastered the Old Testament that had
predicted his coming.
He came forth from the struggle Of the
solitude equipped with the power Of the
Holy Spirit. God gave him in the wilder
ness a message in the vision OF the king
dom he was to help establish by prepar-
ing the way of the Lord. 1t was an
easy task to stir the populace that focked
to hear the revivalist in the campaign for
personal and public reformation on the
banks Of the Jordan. The emotions and
passions OF men are on the surface and
can be easily stirred but 1t was only the
power Of God, working through the Bap
fist, that reached the consciences,
aroused the people to personal con-
viction of sin and secured a public con-
fesson from men.
The greatness of John was shown when
he waved aside the applause of men. and
in the zenith Of his popularity pointed to
the coming one that was mightier than
himself. the latchet of whose shoe he did
not consider he was worthy to unloose.
Strong man that he was, John lacked the
power to make men good. He pointed
men to Christ. who alone could save them
and complete the work. We need today
another John to move the multitude, con-
vince them of their sin and lead them TO
the Savior: We can all cry out as did
John, Repent ye, for the kingdom OF
heaven is at hand and point them to
the King whom all should worship anu
obey When We are filled with the Holy
Spirit We will preach as did John the
gospel Of the kingdom.