For six months previous to his public ministry, Christ’s mission was heralded by John the Baptist. The people came in vast crowds to hear John, and to be baptized of him. As they “were in expectation [expecting the Messiah to come] and all men mused [“reasoned or debated,” margin] in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ or not; John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” 7Luke 3:15-17. GSAM 60.4