John 5:33

The first particular witnesse produced here, whereby the Father testifieth concerning him, is John the Baptist, who without any partial respect to Christ, did simply bear witnesse to the truth concerning him; And this testimony he presseth from their own practice, who seemed so much to respect him, as to send honourable Commissioners to him, chap. 1.19. And to be willing to stand to his testimony concerning the Messiah, yea, and to offer that honour to him, if he would have accepted it; And therefore they were bound to esteem of his testimony, especially, when they sound him so self-denied, as not to seek his own honour. Whence learn, 1. It is the duty and commendation of Christs Messengers, to be witnesse-bearers for him, and with zeale and fidelity to publish his excellency upon any hazard; And they ought to assume no more to themselves, but to be Heraulds of his praise, that sinners may be drawn to him; for, John bare witnesse unto the truth, concerning Christ. See chap. 1.7. 2. Faithfulnesse is the great ornament and duty of Christs witnesses, that, without any by respect, they publish onely what is truth, and that nothing which is truth, (be it of lesse or more importance) want a testimony from them, as they are called to it; for, he bare witnesse unto the truth, was his commendation in this testimony, and it is a pattern to all others; And Christ thus describes his testimony concerning himself, that none might except that there is such a difference betwixt the matter of Johns testimony, and what may be their trial, as to make them shrink, if there be a divine truth in it. 3. The doctrine and faithful testimonies of Christs servants, will live to their commendation, and be of use, when themselves are gone; for, Christ repeats Johns testimony; to his commendation, and for the use of the Jewes, when now, John was in appearance, dead; for he speaks of him, as one that was, verse 35. 4. The respect that men have seemed (at least) to carry to faithful Ministers, and the excellent graces of God that they might have observed in them, will be a witnesse against them, if they do not respect and credit their doctrine; for, so doth Christ urge from their practice, and Johns fidelity and self-denial; ye sent unto John, and he bare witnesse unto the truth, and renounced that honour which they would have conferred on him.