The ideal of his faith was before him, perfect in face, form, dress, action, age; and he was in its view, and the view was recognition.

Ah, now if something should happen to identify the stranger beyond all doubt! And that was what did happen.
Exactly at the fitting moment, as if to assure the trembling Egyptian, the Nazarite repeated the outcry, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world!" Balthasar fell upon his knees.

For him there was no need of explanation; and as if the Nazarite knew it, he turned to those more immediately about him staring in wonder, and continued: "This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me, for he was before me.

And I knew him not: but that he should be manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.