BIRTH OF JOHN THE BAPTIST.
Zacharias had been dumb since the moment when he doubted the prophecy of the angel. (Luke 1:20.) When the promised son was born the neighbors and friends of the mother, Elisabeth, objected to the name John. (Luke 1:57-61.)
Fra Angelico, Plate 7, has represented the moment when they appeal to the dumb father, and he writes upon a tablet the words "His name is John." (Luke 1:63.) The child, eight days old, is present to be named preparatory to circumcision. (Gen. 17:12.)
