Study Desk

but the angel said to Zacharias, don't be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard: and your wife Elizabeth shall bear you a son, whom you shall name John:

But Zacharias said to the angel, by what sign shall I know this? for I am old, and my wife is of a great age.

In the mean time the people were waiting for Zacharias, and wonder'd at his tarrying so long in the temple.

but when he came out, he could not speak to them: and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple; for he intimated it to them by signs, and continued dumb.

Some time after, Elizabeth his wife was pregnant, and went into retirement for five months.

but the angel said to her, "Mary, be not afraid: for you are the object of divine favour.

for nothing is impossible to God."

no sooner did the sound of your salutation strike mine ear, than the babe leap'd within me for joy.

blessed is she that has believed; for what she has heard from the Lord, shall be accomplished."

for he hath regarded the low estate of his servant: and future ages shall proclaim me blessed.

the almighty hath distinguish'd me by the greatest marks of favour: his name be for ever reverenc'd.

which he promised to our forefathers, to Abraham, and to his posterity for ever."

then he made signs for a writing-book, and writ these words, "his name is John:" at which they were all surprized.

and made an impression upon all that heard of them. what a child will this be? said they, for the divine influence does attend him.

"blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he hath regarded and wrought a deliverance for his people:

he hath rais'd up a powerful saviour for us, in the family of his servant David,

and you, dear babe, you shall be the prophet of the most high: for you shall go before the Lord, in order to prepare his way,

now while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered.

and being brought to bed of her first born, she swathed him, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

for the Lord Messiah your saviour is this day born, in the city of David: