Study Desk

the angel, upon his arrival, said to her; "Hail, favorite of heaven, the Lord is with thee: thou happiest of thy sex."

he shall be great, he shall be the son of the most high. the Lord God shall give him the throne of his father David.

he shall reign over the house of Jacob, and of his kingdom there shall be no end."

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.

his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation.

he hath displayed the strength of his arm, and has confounded the proud by the devices of their hearts.

he has taken Israel his servant into his protection, in pursuance of the mercy,

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

her neighbours and her relations having heard how the Lord had heap'd his favours upon her, they congratulated with her:

and on the eighth day were present at the circumcision of the child. but upon their proposing to call him by his father's name, Zacharias: his mother objected to it,

they therefore ask'd his father to signify how he would have him call'd.

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

immediately he had the use of his speech: and he uttered himself in praises to God.

Then Zacharias his father, inspired by the holy spirit, vented his divine enthusiasm in these words.

"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,

to show regard to our forefathers, in performing his holy covenant,

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,

by acquainting his people how they may be saved by the remission of their sins,