JOHN TuE BAPTIST, was of the priestly race by both parents, his father, Zech:trios, being a priest of the course of Abia or Abijah (I. Chrnn. xxiv. 10), and his mother, Eli'zabeth, being of the daughters of Aaron (Luke i. 5). His coming as the precursor of the Christ was foretold centuries before his birth by Isaiah as the one crying in the wilderness, and by Malachi as the messenger to prepare the way before him. His birth was foretold by an angel, who announced also what his character and office would be as the forerunner of the Christ and the reformer of the nation. On the 8th day the child was brought, in conformity with the law of MoSes, to the priest for circumcision. All that we know of John for 30 years, or from his birth to the beginning of his ministry, is contained in one verse—" The child grew and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his showing to Israel." John was ordained to be a Nazarite from his birth (Luke i. 15), drinking neither wine nor strong drink, implying that lie should abstain from worldly pleasures, and live a life of self-denial. In accordance with this he retired to the wild and thinly peopled region west of the Dead sea, and, by self-disci pline and communion with God, prepared himSelf for the work to which he had been appointed. When he came forth he was dressed in the costume of one of the old prophets, with a garment woven of camel's hair and fastened to the body by a leathern girdle. His food was such as was found in the desert—locusts and wild honey. Thus prepared, he began his ministry, calling upon the people to repent in order to share in the blessings of the kingdom of God, near at hand. Multitudes were attracted by his fervor, his repu tation for extraordinary sanctity, and the prevailing belief that some great one was about to appear; and many of every class came forward to confess their sins and be baptized.
His baptism was a visible token of that repentance which was essential to forgiveness, but he assured his hearers t'..at One mightier than he would baptize with the Holy Ghost. John instructed his disciples also in moral and religious duties, as fasting and prayer. But soon after he had given his testimony to the Messiah his ministry was brought to a close. The king, Herod Antipas, was living in adultery with the wife of his brother Philip, and when John reproved him for his sin, Herod put him in prison. The prison was the castle of Machmrns, a fortress on the eastern side of the Dead sea. Herodias, enraged at the rebuke of John, determined that lie should die. At Machterus, which was the palace of Herod as well as a fortress, was held a court-festival in honor of the king's birthday. The daughter of Herodias danced before the company. and so delighted was Herod dint he promised to give her whatever she should ask. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist. Instructed by Herod, an officer of the guard slew him in the prison. His death is supposed to have occurred just before the third Passover in the course of our Lord's ministry, A.D. 28. Herod doubtless regarded him as au extraordinary person. for when he heard of the miracles of Christ he ascribed them to John, who, he said, had risen front the dead. John's disciples took the body of John and buried it, and ecclesiastical history records the honors paid to his memory. He is mentioned with great honor in the Koran under the name of Jahja.