After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized. (23) And John also was baptizing in Enon, near to Salem; because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. (24) For John was not yet cast into prison. (25) Then there arose a question between some of John's disciples and the Jews, about purifying. (26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou bearest witness; behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. (27) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice. This my joy therefore is fulfilled. (30) He must increase, but I must decrease. (31) He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: he that cometh from heaven is above all. (32) And what he hath seen and heard that he testifieth; and no man receiveth his testimony. (33) He that hath received his testimony, hath set to his seal that God is true. (34) For he whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. (35) The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand. (36) He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son, shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
We have here a short, but sweet sermon, of John the Baptist. And I beg the Reader to remark with me, how blessedly he preacheth Christ. How beautifully he sets him forth, as the glorious Bridegroom of his Church! What a striking distinction he draws, between the Lord Jesus and all his servants! And how could he do this as effectually, as when stating the vast difference in the gifts of the Holy Ghost. In all the servants of the Lord, the Holy Ghost was in them as portions in a vessel. To everyone of us (saith an Apostle) is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Ephesians 4:7. In Christ, as a fountain, God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto him. And let not the Reader overlook what is further said. What Christ hath seen and heard in coming from above, he testifieth; yea, he speaketh the words of God, for he is God. And all things are given unto him, as Mediator; eternal life, with all its preliminaries. Reader! pause, and think! How sure is that soul of blessedness, who hath the Son? How sure the certain consequence of misery, to everyone, which hath not the Son? For the wrath of God, not taken away by Christ, remaineth! Oh! for grace that while the Lord's people set to their seal that God is true, God the Holy Ghost may set to his seal in our souls, the seal of the promise! Ephesians 1:13.