They asked him, "Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?"
      1. Concerning himself, and what he professed himself to be. They asked him, Sy tis ei--Thou, who art thou? John's appearing in the world was surprising. He was in the wilderness till the day of his showing unto Israel. His spirit, his converse, he doctrine, had something in them which commanded and gained respect; but he did not, as seducers do, give out himself to be some great one. He was more industrious to do good than to appear great; and therefore waived saying any thing of himself till he was legally interrogated. Those speak best for Christ that say least of themselves, whose own works praise them, not their own lips. He answers their interrogatory,