"Those are the words of the prophet Esaias, and are truly spoken by him of Messias, when he shall come."
"Let us consult Esaias, then, and see what further he hath said," cried Rabbi Amos. "Mary, bring hither the roll of the Prophets."
My Cousin Mary returned, and placed the book on a small stand before him.
"Read aloud, worthy Rabbi," said the philosopher Gamaliel, "we will all listen; for though I do not believe this young man who was to-day baptized is Messias and the Christ, who is to restore all things to us, yet I am prepared to reverence him as a great prophet."
"And," answered Rabbi Amos, "if we find the prophecies do meet in him that which we look for to meet in Messias when he cometh, wilt thou believe, venerable father?"
"I will believe and reverently adore," answered the sage, bowing his head till his flowing white beard almost touched his knees.
"Read Adina, for thy eyes are young," said my uncle; and I read as follows:
"'Behold, my Servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high. As many were astonished at thee; his visage was so marred more than any man, and his form more than the sons of men.'"
"How completely," said John, "those words describe his appearance on the verge of the desert, and yet I used them unconsciously."
"But," said Saul, Gamaliel's disciple, "if this be prophesied of the Christ, then we are to have a Christ of humiliation, and not one of honor and glory. Read one part which you have omitted, maiden."