3
And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching
the baptism of repentance for
the remission of sins;
4
as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.
5
Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked
ways shall be made straight, and the rough ways
shall be made smooth;
6
and all flesh shall see the saving health of God.
7
Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who taught you to flee from the wrath to come?
8
Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham
for our father; for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
9
And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees; every tree therefore which does not bring forth good fruit is hewn down and cast into the fire.
10
And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then?
11
He answered and said unto them, He that has two coats, let him impart to him that has none; and he that has food, let him do likewise.
12
Then
the publicans also came to be baptized and said unto him, Master, what shall we do?
13
And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you.