Page:PracticalCommentaryOnHolyScripture.djvu/442

 his tongue  was  loosened,  and  he  spoke. And all  those  who  were present were  amazed,  saying  one  to  another:  “What  think  ye this  child  shall  be? for the  hand  of  the  Lord  is  with  him.

Zachary, filled  with  the  Holy  Ghost  and  in  an  ecstasy  of  joy and gratitude,  began  to  prophesy  and  bless  God  in  the  canticle which still  bears  his  name:

“Blessed be  the  Lord  God  of  Israel;  because  He  hath  visited and wrought  the  redemption  of  His  people,

“And hath  raised  up  a horn  of  salvation  to  us,  in  the  house of David  His  servant,

“As He  spoke  by  the  mouth  of  His  holy  prophets,  who  are from the  beginning:

“Salvation from  our  enemies,  and  from  the  hand  of  all  that hate us,

“To perform  mercy  to  our  fathers,  and  to  remember  His holy testament:

“The oath  which  He  swore  to  our  father  Abraham,  that  He would  grant  to  us,

“That, being  delivered  from  the  hand  of  our  enemies,  we may  serve  Him  without  fear,

“In holiness  and  justice  before  Him,  all  our  days.

“And thou,  child,  shalt  be  called  the  prophet  of  the  Highest: for thou  shalt  go  before  the  Lord  to  prepare  His  ways,

“To give  knowledge  of  salvation  to  His  people,  unto  the remission of  their  sins.