To Correspondents

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 30, 1870

To Correspondents.

I. OSENBAUGH: Our Lord in Matt. 11:7-11, is setting forth the importance and dignity of the mission of John the Baptist. Among those born of women, there had not, up to that time, risen a greater than John the Baptist. In what respect greater? Many of the prophets doubtless possessed as noble powers, and led as blameless and holy lives; but they had not the privilege of preaching what he preached. It must be, therefore, that he was greater simply in reference to the truth committed to him. They could only prophecy of a Messiah to come. He could point to a Messiah then among men. But a time was coming when greater truth even than this could be preached to the people. When Christ should have completed his mission here upon earth, and the full light and glory of the gospel, which is sometimes called the kingdom, should be brought in, those who should have the privilege of preaching then, though they might be less than, as the original word signifies, or inferior to, John the Baptist, would, in this respect, be greater than he. He could point to a Messiah present, and performing his mission among men; but he did not see the conclusion of that work. But these could bear testimony to the triumphant conclusion of his mission, the successful accomplishment of his work. The humblest preacher of this gospel would, therefore, be greater than John the Baptist in the same sense in which John was greater than the prophets who had gone before him.—For general information, we consider Clarke's commentary the best. We do not know whether you can obtain the New Testament alone, or not.

M. D. CLARK: The letter from Nebraska, was received, and the GEN. CONF. COMMITTEE have it in charge. If a camp-meeting is held in Kansas, they will probably visit your section.

I. SANBORN: We send the Greek Testament to your address, Kickapoo Center, Wis.