John the Baptist by F. B. Meyer

The life and character of John the Baptist are full of great fascination. The author says he knows of nothing that makes so pleasant a respite from the pressure of life's fret and strain as bathing mind and spirit in the translucent waters of Scripture biography. As the clasp between the Old Testament and the New--the close of one and the beginning of the other; as among the greatest of those born of women; as the porter who oopened 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 Savior of the world, crying, "Behold the Lamb of God."

About the Author
F. B. Meyer, who was one of England's brighter spiritual lights, was born on April 8, 1847. At the early age of five he began his life's walk with the Savior. To Meyer, this was a vital relationship where two spirits met and fellowshiped together. Having been a student himself at London University, Meyer loved working with students. Throughout his long life students flocked to hear his lessons on the very practical issues of Christian living. In his various pastorates, ranging from Liverpool to London, Meyer devoted himself to winning men and women from all walks of life. During his early years as minister he became the first pastor to welcome D. L. Moody to England. The English benefited much, as did the young Meyer. From Moody he received the advice always to be himself and never a copy of another. A popular speaker at various conventions, Meyer became a regular speaker at the Keswick Convention, beginning in 1887. His missionary viewpoint was profoundly affected by two of the Cambridge Seven who were headed for China. Later he became a prime mover in the Regions  Beyond Missionary Union. As a prolific writer of tracts, booklets, and some seventy books, his chief contribution to literature is a series of outstanding Bible biographies, of which this book is one.