here, which we must not miss. The Scripture thought which lies beneath all fasting and austerity in God’s servants is that of overwhelming sorrow, which takes away the taste for the pleasures and comforts of life. And the thought in the power of which John lived was deep conviction of the sin of Israel in the sight of God and their total want of preparation for the coming of Messiah. He was at hand, even at the door; He would find them utterly unready to receive Him; and what would befall Israel