Morris tribune., 1912-11-22


greater than they. They
CA have not themselves been
great enough to do this, especially
when recognition of the greater lead
er meant of necessity a loss in their
own prestige and following.
But John the Baptist was one OF
those few exceptional leaders. When
he saw Jesus approaching, and de-
cIared solemnly to his own followers
that Jesus was the Lamb of God, the
long Messiah, he knew well
enough that his followers would leave
him for the new teacher. He would
have been ashamed of them If they
had not done so, He would have been
ashamed of himself If they had not
done so, for it would have meant that
| he had wholly failed in his life work,
that he had been preaching John the
Baptist rather than Christ.
And yet it was by no means easy
for John to take this step, am sure.
For many years have been secretary
Of a college faculty, and know how
hard it is even for college professors
to advise the bright students away
! from their own classes.
| Knew What it Meant.
But John the Baptist did it, though
it meant loneliness, though he knew
that the whole world would go after
the new teacher. He did it, though
it meant prison and forgetfulness for
himself. He was glad and proud that
Christ was to increase, though It
meant of necessity that he should de-
crease.
And John the Baptist did not speak
under his breath, that few might hear
him. Heralds must have loud voices.
and he was the chosen herald Of the
Messiah. It was an ear-alling utter
ance, we may be certain, when the
second Elijah made proclamation OF
the King.
Note, too, that the Baptist recog'
ntzsd. and would have all men recog-
nize, the distinctive character Of
Christ He did not summon men to
the great niracle-worker, or the great
teacher, or the great preacher and
prophet. Behold he said, the Lamb
of God!" Christ was divine, and he
was sacrifice. and neither without
the other. That is the one message
of all that follow in the footsteps OF
John the Baptist.
81 knew him not" said John, intro
ducing the Messiah That was the
second difficult thing he did, to &C
knowledge his past blindness. This
difficulty keeps many from confessfne
Christ-the confession Is an acknowl
edgment that they have been wrong
II have SEEM said John. He be
held the Holy Spirit from heaven, and
he heard the Spirits testimony. Johr
the Baptist had had an experience o.
his own. No one can bear witness tt
another mans experience, or be I
herald upon another mans say-sO.
Put Christ Before Himself.
And John the Baptist did the same
thing the next day A less sincer'
man would have satisfied his con
science with one proclamation, and
would have kept his scholars. There
the TRUTH most would said; take |
or leave it." Not so John the Baptist
he fairly drove his scholars from hin
: | to Christ That is another reason
, why he was chosen to be Christi
herald.
Thus it is, today as In the day O
, John, that true teachers pass on thei
. | scholars to other teachers that ar
, able to carry them further and min
: listers yield their church to other mir
! listers that can preach the gospel NOR
freshly, and friends introduce thei
/ friends to new acquaintance that vii
[ fascinate them. and parents give u
.LaL-o~ - oukAv icfP coY.ufN