THE APPROACH OF CHRIST FORETOLD.

Luke iii. 15-17.

15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ or not;

16 John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water;

but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost,

and with fire.

17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the Ichaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.

CHRIST IS BAPTIZED.

Luke iii. 21-23.

21 Now when all the people

were baptized,

it came to pass that Jesus

Luke iii. 21-23.

also being baptized

and praying,
the heaven was opened.
22 And the Holy Ghost de-
scended in a bodily shape,
like a dove upon him,
and a voice came from
heaven which said, Thou art
my beloved Son, in thee I am
well pleased.

23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years of age*.

* See Vol. Nativity, p. 227.