Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/429

 Sanctuary to  offer  incense  on  the  altar,  while  the  people  prayed without ; and, behold,  an  angel  of  the  Lord  appeared  to  him, standing at  the  right  hand  of  the  altar  of  incense.

Zachary was  troubled  at  the  sight  of  the  angel;  but  the  angel said to  him:  “Fear  not,  Zachary,  for  thy  prayer is  heard. Thy wife Elizabeth  shall  bear  thee  a son,  and  thou  shalt  call  his  name John. Thou shalt  have  joy  and  gladness,  and  many  shall  rejoice at his  birth;  for  he  shall  be  great  before  the  Lord,  and  shall drink no  wine  nor  strong  drink,  and  he  shall  be  filled  with  the Holy Ghost  even  from  his  mothers  womb. He shall  convert many of  the  children  of  Israel  to  the  Lord  their  God. He shall go before  Him  in  the  spirit  and  power  of  Elias,  to  prepare  for the Lord  a perfect  people.”

Zachary said  to  the  angel:  “Whereby  shall  I know  this? For I am  an  old  man,  and  my  wife  is  advanced  in  years.”  The angel replied:  “I  am  Gabriel,  who  stand  before  God,  and  am sent  to  speak  to  thee,  and  to  bring  thee  these  good  tidings. Behold, thou  shalt  be  dumb,  and  shalt  not  be  able  to  speak  until the day  in  which  these  things  shall  come  to  pass,  because  thou hast not  believed  my  words.”  Having  spoken  thus  he  disappeared.