tening snow."

SATURDAY, November 4. Snowing fast this morning. Go on to Mathias's on
Lost River, where I meet a small gathering of people at night. Snows
fast all day, and meeting small; but I nevertheless speak as best I
can on the last two verses of the ninth chapter of John. These are the
words, and what follows is an outline in substance of what I said:
"And many came unto him; and they said, John indeed did no sign: but
all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true. And many
believed on him there." Our Lord's work on earth in the flesh, was now
fast drawing to a close. Honest hearts were accepting him as the
Savior of the world. His enemies, on the other hand, were becoming
more violent in their opposition to him, on the ground that if they
would let him go all men would believe on him. One striking feature of
our Lord's spirit and doctrine was that of "_nonresistance_" of
personal or bodily enemies. "My kingdom," said he, "is not of this
world; else would my servants fight." Ignorant of the power of love,
these Jewish enemies of our Lord could foresee nothing in the
tendencies of his doctrines but the destruction of their city
Jerusalem, and the same also of their nationality as a people.

Although John did no sign or miracle, still he told the truth about
Jesus; and inasmuch as he did this in the beginning of our Lord's
ministry, and was beheaded soon after, it was in itself strong
evidence in favor of our Lord's Messiahship. The people could plainly
see the agreement between the life and teachings of Christ and what
John had said they would be. The agreement was too exact and uniform
to be accidental. This led many to believe on him. They alleged that
all things whatsoever John spake of this man were true; and they came
unto him. In this they showed their wisdom. How they hung upon his
words! How their hearts did burn as he opened unto them the
Scriptures! Like Mary, many sat at his feet and heard his words.

At the present day, when any begin to inquire the way of salvation,
instead of going to the Word wherein the way is plainly revealed, and
the Lord may be found, they go to their preacher, or to others whom
they regard as safe guides, or to books that purport to lead inquirers
into the right way; and very often they are wrongly taught and misled.
If there be one here to-night who is anxiously inquiring the way to
Jesus, I say to him: "Behold the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin
of the world!