7
Then said he to the multitudes coming forth to be baptised by him, `Brood of vipers! who did prompt you to flee from the coming wrath?
8
make, therefore, fruits worthy of the reformation, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have a father -- Abraham; for I say to you, that God is able out of these stones to raise children to Abraham;
9
and already also the axe unto the root of the trees is laid, every tree, therefore, not making good fruit is cut down, and to fire it is cast.'
10
And the multitudes were questioning him, saying, `What, then, shall we do?'
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and he answering saith to them, `He having two coats -- let him impart to him having none, and he having victuals -- in like manner let him do.'
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And there came also tax-gatherers to be baptised, and they said unto him, `Teacher, what shall we do?'
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and he said unto them, `Exact no more than that directed you.'
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And questioning him also were those warring, saying, `And we, what shall we do?' and he said unto them, `Do violence to no one, nor accuse falsely, and be content with your wages.'
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And the people are looking forward, and all are reasoning in their hearts concerning John, whether or not he may be the Christ;
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John answered, saying to all, `I indeed with water do baptise you, but he cometh who is mightier than I, of whom I am not worthy to loose the latchet of his sandals -- he shall baptise you with the Holy Spirit and with fire;
17
whose winnowing shovel [is] in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his floor, and will gather the wheat to his storehouse, and the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.'