This He proposes, not to assert, but to deny. For if but a breath of air touch a reed, it bends it one way or other; a type of the carnal mind, which leans to either side, according as the breath of praise or detraction reaches it.
A reed shaken by the wind John was not, for no variety of circumstance bent him from his uprightness. The Lord’s meaning then is,
Reproduced in full. Translation: Oxford 1841 (Newman), public domain (Public domain).
Also cites: Hom in Ev. vi. 2