ALSO BY REV. F. B. MEYER, B.A. ELIJAH: AND THE SECRET OF HIS POWER. With Nine specially prepared Illustrations. Cloth Boards, 2s. 6d. ; Presentation Edition, 3s. 6d. UNIFORM WITH "ELIJAH." ABRAHAM: or, the Obedience of Faith. JOSEPH Beloved-Hated-Exalted. MOSES: The Servant of God. JOSHUA: and the Land of Promise. JEREMIAH: Priest and Prophet. DAVID Shepherd, Psalmist, King. A Complete Illustrated List of Works by will be sent post free on application. LONDON: MORGAN & SCOTT, 12, PATERNOSTER BUILDINGS, E.C. And may be Ordered of any Bookseller. BODLEIAN 28.11 1900 IBRARY PREFACE. HE life and character of John the Baptist have TH always had a great fascination for me; and I am thankful to have been permitted to write this book. But I am more thankful for the hours of absorbing interest spent in the study of his portraiture as given in the Gospels. I know of nothing that makes so pleasant a respite from the pressure of life's fret and strain, as to bathe mind and spirit in the translucent waters of Scripture biography. As the clasp between the Old Testament and the New-the close of the one and the beginning of the other; as among the greatest of those born of women; as the porter who opened the door to the True Shepherd; as the fearless rebuker of royal and shameless sin-the Baptist must ever compel the homage and admiration of mankind. In many respects, such a life cannot be repeated. But the spirit of humility and courage; of devotion to God, and uncompromising loyalty to truth, which was so conspicuous in him, may animate us. We, also, may be filled with the spirit and power of Elijah, as he was; and may point, with lip and life, to the Saviour of the world, crying, “Behold the Lamb of God." 7. B. Meyer |