We must remember, besides, that the first pages of the fourth Gospel are notes tacked together without rigorous chronological arrangement.] [Footnote 2: Luke i., although indeed all the details of the narrative, especially those which refer to the relationship of John with Jesus, are legendary.] It seems, in fact, that, notwithstanding his profound originality, Jesus, during some weeks at least, was the imitator of John.

His way as yet was not clear before him.

At all times, moreover, Jesus yielded much to opinion, and adopted many things which were not in exact accordance with his own ideas, or for which he cared little, merely because they were popular; but these accessories never injured his principal idea, and were always subordinate to it.

Baptism had been brought by John into very great favor; Jesus thought himself obliged to do like John; therefore he baptized, and his disciples baptized also.[1] No doubt he accompanied baptism with preaching, similar to that of John.

The Jordan was thus covered on all sides with Baptists, whose discourses were more or less successful.