And his mother answered and said, "Not so; but he shall be called
John."

And they said unto her, "There is none of thy kindred that is called
by this name."

And they made signs to his father, what he would have him called.

And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, "His name is
John."

And they marvelled all. And his mouth was opened immediately, and his
tongue loosed, and he spake, blessing God.

And fear came on all that dwelt round about them: and all these
sayings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judæa.

And all that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, "What
then shall this child be?"

For the hand of the Lord was with him.


THE SONG OF ZACHARIAS.

And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and
prophesied, saying,

"Blessed be the Lord the God of Israel;
For he hath visited and wrought redemption for his people,