John the Baptist had said concerning Christ, He must increase, but I must decrease, John 3:30. The morning-star is here disappearing, and the Sun of righteousness rising to its meridian lustre. Here is, I. The martyrdom of John; his imprisonment for his faithfulness to Herod (Matt. 14:1-5), and the beheading of him to please Herodias, Matt. 14:6-12. II. The miracles of Christ. 1. His feeding five thousand men that came to him to be taught, with five loaves and two fishes, Matt. 14:13-21. 2. Christ’s walking on the waves to his disciples in a storm, Matt. 14:22-23. 3. His healing the sick with the touch of the hem of his garment, Matt. 14:34-36. Thus he went forth, thus he went on, conquering and to conquer, or rather, curing and to cure.