favor, when the effect was to leave John himself
deserted and alone after a season of great fame. "He must increase,
but I must decrease," said the noble-hearted forerunner. John's work
was done, and the work of Jesus was now beginning. John understood
this, and with devoted loyalty, unsurpassed in all the bright story of
friendship, he rejoiced in the success that Jesus was winning, though
it was at his own cost.

This is a model of noble friendship for all time. Envy poisons much
human friendship. It is not easy to work loyally for the honor and
advancement of another when he is taking our place, and drawing our
crowds after him. But in any circumstances envy is despicable and most
undivine. Then even in our friendship for Christ we need to be ever
most watchful lest we allow self to creep in. We must learn to care
only for his honor and the advancement of his kingdom, and never to
think of ourselves.

So much for the friendship of John for Jesus. On several occasions we
find evidences of very warm friendship in Jesus for John. John's
imprisonment was a most pathetic episode in his life. It came from his
fidelity as a preacher of righteousness. In view of all the
circumstances, we can scarcely wonder that in his dreary prison he
began almost to doubt, certainly to question, whether Jesus were indeed
the Messiah. But it must be noted that even in this painful experience
John was loyal to Jesus. When the question arose in his mind, he sent
directly to Jesus to have it answered. If only all in whose minds
spiritual doubts or questions arise would do this, good, and not evil,
would result in every case; for Christ always knows how to reassure
perplexed faith.

It was after the visit of the messengers from John that Jesus spoke the
strong words which showed his warm friendship for his forerunner. John
had not forfeited his place in the Master's heart by his temporary
doubting. Jesus knew that his disciples might think disparagingly of
John because he had sent the messengers with the question; and as soon
as they were gone he began to speak about John, and to speak about him
in terms of highest praise. It is an evidence of true friendship that
one speaks well of one's friend behind his back. Some professed
friendship will not stand this test. But Jesus spoke not a word of
censure concerning John after the failure of his faith. On the other
hand, he eulogized him in a most remarkable way. He spoke of