In reply, however, to their question, the Holy One contented Himself with pointing to the wonderful works He had already wrought in their midst. This testimony they had refused to receive, for neither in their aims nor desires were they of His sheep (Jn. x. 26). _His sheep heard His voice, and He knew them, and He would give them eternal life, nor should any ever snatch them out of His hand_ (Jn. x. 27, 28); _for the Eternal Father in heaven had given them to Him, and He and the Father were one_ (Jn. x. 29). This solemn and mysterious language, this claim to essential unity with the eternal Father, again[405] provoked the anger of His hearers. Their earthly and carnal hopes centered on some great earthly conqueror. The words of the Holy One sounded in their ears like blasphemy, and taking up some of the stones lying around for the repairs[406] of the Temple which were almost always going on, they were on the point of stoning Him as He stood. But He calmed their fury by enquiring for which of His many works, that proved by their moral goodness no less than the power they displayed, His union with the Father, they wished to stone Him. In reply the Jews declared that it was His blasphemous words which made them act as they now did, for though a man, He claimed a union with God (Jn. x. 32, 33). This charge the Holy One repelled by reference to their own sacred books[407]. Was not the title of God sometimes applied there to the judges and rulers of the nation (Ps. lxxxii. 6[408]), and was it with less justice applicable to One, whose wondrous works proved His intercommunion with the Father and His Divine mission to the world? (Jn. x. 34–38). This reply only excited a fresh burst of fury, and though the Jews gave up their design of stoning Him, they tried to apprehend Him and bring Him before their courts (Jn. x. 29). But His “hour” was not yet come, and retiring from the capital, He crossed the Jordan, and sought the fords of Bethabara or Bethany, where His forerunner _at first baptized_ (Jn. x. 40). In this region, where that eminent servant of God had closed his course[409], it was proved that “though dead he yet spake.” Many remembered his burning words and faithful testimony to the Messiah, whom the Jews at Jerusalem had rejected, and acknowledging the truth of His words, gathered round the Saviour (Jn. x. 41), and avowed their belief in Him.