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Excerpt from John the
The life and character of John the Baptist have always had a great fascination for me; and I am thankful to have been permitted to write this book. But I am more thankful for the hours of absorbing interest spent in the study of his portraiture as given in the Gospels. I know of nothing that makes so pleasant a respite from the pressure of life's fret and strain, as to bathe mind and spirit in the translucent waters of Scripture biography.
As the clasp between the Old Testament and the New - the close of the one and the beginning of the other; as among the greatest of those born of women; as the porter who opened the door to the True Shepherd; as the fearless rebuker of royal and shameless sin - the Baptist must ever compel the homage and admiration of mankind.
In many respects, such a life cannot be repeated. But the spirit of humility and courage; of devotion to God, and uncompromising loyalty to truth, which was so conspicuous in him, may animate us. We, also, may be filled with the spirit and power of Elijah, as he was; and may point, with lip and life, to the Saviour of the world, crying, "Behold the Lamb of God."
The life and character of John the Baptist have always had a great fascination for me; and I am thankful to have been permitted to write this book. But I am more thankful for the hours of absorbing interest spent in the study of his portraiture as given in the Gospels. I know of nothing that makes so pleasant a respite from the pressure of life's fret and strain, as to bathe mind and spirit in the translucent waters of Scripture biography.
As the clasp between the Old Testament and the New - the close of the one and the beginning of the other; as among the greatest of those born of women; as the porter who opened the door to the True Shepherd; as the fearless rebuker of royal and shameless sin - the Baptist must ever compel the homage and admiration of mankind.
In many respects, such a life cannot be repeated. But the spirit of humility and courage; of devotion to God, and uncompromising loyalty to truth, which was so conspicuous in him, may animate us. We, also, may be filled with the spirit and power of Elijah, as he was; and may point, with lip and life, to the Saviour of the world, crying, "Behold the Lamb of God."
Unknown Binding
First published January 22, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 21, 2021
Although a condensed version, I wondered what Meyer would write about John the Baptist for sixty-three pages. We see very little of John the Baptist on the pages of Holy Writ. However, the author did not disappoint. He brought out truths which I had never considered before regarding his subject.
What I loved about this booklet is the practical application which Meyer continually resorted to. Although the subject was John the Baptist, he continually brought out truths that are applicable to those of us following Jesus Christ in the 21st century.
Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:
"The strength of a man is in proportion to the feelings which he curbs and subdues and not which subdue him."
"God's strong men are rarely clothed in soft raiment, or found in king's courts."
"God demands not advocates, but witnesses; and we must see for ourselves, before we can bear witness to others, the glory of that light still flushing our faces, and the accent of conviction minted in our speech."
"Though a man may shrink from the preaching of repentance, yet, if it tell the truth about himself, he will be irresistibly attracted to hear the voice that harrows his soul."
"We can never be at rest or happy while we expect to find our fresh springs in outward circumstances. It is only when we are right with God that we are blest and at rest."
"Jesus Christ is the touchstone of trial. Our attitude towards Him reveals the true quality of the soul."
"Confession is an essential sign of a genuine repentance, and without it forgiveness is impossible."
"You will never get right with God till you are right with man. It is not enough to confess wrong-doing; you must be prepared to make amends so far as lies in your power. Sin is not a light thing, and it must be dealt with, root and branch."
"Be thankful , but never vain. He who gave may take."
"To shut thy heart against Him not only excludes the life which might be thine, but incurs the wrath of God. The only hope of a decreasing self is an increasing Christ."
"Be content with a holy ministry which does not dazzle by its fireworks, but sheds a steady sunshine on the sacred page."
What I loved about this booklet is the practical application which Meyer continually resorted to. Although the subject was John the Baptist, he continually brought out truths that are applicable to those of us following Jesus Christ in the 21st century.
Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:
"The strength of a man is in proportion to the feelings which he curbs and subdues and not which subdue him."
"God's strong men are rarely clothed in soft raiment, or found in king's courts."
"God demands not advocates, but witnesses; and we must see for ourselves, before we can bear witness to others, the glory of that light still flushing our faces, and the accent of conviction minted in our speech."
"Though a man may shrink from the preaching of repentance, yet, if it tell the truth about himself, he will be irresistibly attracted to hear the voice that harrows his soul."
"We can never be at rest or happy while we expect to find our fresh springs in outward circumstances. It is only when we are right with God that we are blest and at rest."
"Jesus Christ is the touchstone of trial. Our attitude towards Him reveals the true quality of the soul."
"Confession is an essential sign of a genuine repentance, and without it forgiveness is impossible."
"You will never get right with God till you are right with man. It is not enough to confess wrong-doing; you must be prepared to make amends so far as lies in your power. Sin is not a light thing, and it must be dealt with, root and branch."
"Be thankful , but never vain. He who gave may take."
"To shut thy heart against Him not only excludes the life which might be thine, but incurs the wrath of God. The only hope of a decreasing self is an increasing Christ."
"Be content with a holy ministry which does not dazzle by its fireworks, but sheds a steady sunshine on the sacred page."
January 10, 2025
John the Baptist has always been one of my favorite Bible characters. I’ve always wanted to read a good biography of the man and when I found out that FB Meyer was a good writer who wrote a book about John, I bought it on Kindle and read it. I was not disappointed.
FB Meyer was a Baptist preacher from London who lived from 1847-1929. He was close friends with DL Moody. He is obviously a very intellectual and well read man. He has skill with the pen and a clear desire to make the setting of the scenes of the life of John pop in the mind of the reader. He was successful in my opinion.
The best parts in the book were as follows:
The story of John’s father, Zacharias and the angel in the Temple.
His digression on what makes a prophet.
The explanation of why John was so popular.
The wild scenes of John’s baptizing at Jordan, especially when he baptized Christ.
John’s guts in front of Herod.
The sources of John’s lack of faith.
Although I highlight these parts, the remainder is still very well written.
I don’t believe that men should speak like FB Meyer wrote, even in the pulpit. But the exposure to his lofty wording is very profitable in our age of 150 characters. The reader will finish this book with a more vivid picture in his mind of the scenes of John’s life. I plan to read Meyer’s biography of Peter soon.
FB Meyer was a Baptist preacher from London who lived from 1847-1929. He was close friends with DL Moody. He is obviously a very intellectual and well read man. He has skill with the pen and a clear desire to make the setting of the scenes of the life of John pop in the mind of the reader. He was successful in my opinion.
The best parts in the book were as follows:
The story of John’s father, Zacharias and the angel in the Temple.
His digression on what makes a prophet.
The explanation of why John was so popular.
The wild scenes of John’s baptizing at Jordan, especially when he baptized Christ.
John’s guts in front of Herod.
The sources of John’s lack of faith.
Although I highlight these parts, the remainder is still very well written.
I don’t believe that men should speak like FB Meyer wrote, even in the pulpit. But the exposure to his lofty wording is very profitable in our age of 150 characters. The reader will finish this book with a more vivid picture in his mind of the scenes of John’s life. I plan to read Meyer’s biography of Peter soon.
May 1, 2024
Mission Meyer #3
Third Meyer book and this is a life of John the Baptist with other thoughts, well a lot of other thoughts.
Some of the JTB stuff was more wondering and musing than factual as well we don't have that much detail of his life, it was partially helpful, but maybe a little too speculative than scripture based.
Some great thoughts through ought when analysing and applying, more of that would have been better than the speculative life of JTB parts.
Still a very decent read, if a little overlong, for what it was.
Third Meyer book and this is a life of John the Baptist with other thoughts, well a lot of other thoughts.
Some of the JTB stuff was more wondering and musing than factual as well we don't have that much detail of his life, it was partially helpful, but maybe a little too speculative than scripture based.
Some great thoughts through ought when analysing and applying, more of that would have been better than the speculative life of JTB parts.
Still a very decent read, if a little overlong, for what it was.
January 16, 2026
The Life of John the Baptist
Meyer brings out various comparisons of the life of John the Baptist. The parallels to his life and ministry with Elijah are in the final chapter. His stance before HEROD similar to that of Elijah before Ahaz. His depression while in prison compared to Elijah wanting to die. Neither had the words or power of Jesus. Neither brought glory or accepted worship or forgave sins. Both knew the presences of God but neither claimed to what there relation that Jesus shared. Great book for a review of John’s life.
Meyer brings out various comparisons of the life of John the Baptist. The parallels to his life and ministry with Elijah are in the final chapter. His stance before HEROD similar to that of Elijah before Ahaz. His depression while in prison compared to Elijah wanting to die. Neither had the words or power of Jesus. Neither brought glory or accepted worship or forgave sins. Both knew the presences of God but neither claimed to what there relation that Jesus shared. Great book for a review of John’s life.
May 17, 2024
I couldn't get into it. Typos and misspellings quite frequent.
September 14, 2025
Not easy to read. He was quite the thinker. Some really good nuggets in here, though.
2.5
2.5
January 6, 2015
Good thoughts
Good and interesting thoughts on the Baptist. I had never read a biography on John before, and this really opened my mind to what his life and ministry really encompassed.
Good and interesting thoughts on the Baptist. I had never read a biography on John before, and this really opened my mind to what his life and ministry really encompassed.
September 12, 2014
Nice collection of John's life history
a good way to lead into christ path
a good way to lead into christ path
April 21, 2015
This was a real drag of a read. Speculations presented as facts. If I had any more of Meyer's books on my to-read lists, they would be deleted.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews