The third Chapter of MATTHEVV.

IN those days came John Baptist, preaching in the wil∣dernesse of Judea.

[ 2] And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

[ 3] For this is he that is spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

[ 4] And the same John had his raiment of camels hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins, and his meat was lo∣custs and wild hony.

[ 5] Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea, and all the region round about Jordan,

[ 6] And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Page  72 [ 7] But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadduces come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come.

[ 8] Bring forth therfore fruits meet for repentance.

[ 9] And think not to say within your selves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

[ 10] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit, is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

[ 11] I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me, is mightier then I, whose shooes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire.

[ 12] whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner: and will burne up the chaffe with unquenchable fire.

[ 13] Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan, unto John to be baptized of him:

[ 14] But John forbade him, saying, I have need to be bap∣tized of thee, and comest thou to me?

[ 15] And Jesus answering, said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him.

[ 16] And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straight∣way out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him.

[ 17] And lo, a voice from heaven, saying, This is my be∣loved Son, in whom I am well pleased.