Part 72

1:42. And she cried out with a loud voice and said: Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

1:43. And whence is this to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me?

1:44. For behold as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.

1:45. And blessed art thou that hast believed, because those things shall be accomplished that were spoken to thee by the Lord.

1:46. And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord.

1:47. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

1:48. Because he hath regarded the humility of his handmaid: for behold from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

Shall call me blessed. . .These words are a prediction of that honour which the church in all ages should pay to the Blessed Virgin. Let Protestants examine whether they are any way concerned in this prophecy.

1:49. Because he that is mighty hath done great things to me: and holy is his name.

1:50. And his mercy is from generation unto generations, to them that fear him.

1:51. He hath shewed might in his arm: he hath scattered the proud in the conceit of their heart.

1:52. He hath put down the mighty from their seat and hath exalted the humble.

1:53. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich he hath sent empty away.

1:54. He hath received Israel his servant, being mindful of his mercy.

1:55. As he spoke to our fathers: to Abraham and to his seed for ever.

1:56. And Mary abode with her about three months. And she returned to her own house.

1:57. Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come: and she brought forth a son.

1:58. And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had shewed his great mercy towards her: and they congratulated with her.

1:59. And it came to pass that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child: and they called him by his father's name Zachary.

1:60. And his mother answering, said: Not so. But he shall be called John.

1:61. And they said to her: There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.

1:62. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

1:63. And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered.

1:64. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed: and he spoke, blessing God.

1:65. And fear came upon all their neighbours: and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea.

1:66. And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What an one, think ye, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

1:67. And Zachary his father was filled with the Holy Ghost. And he prophesied, saying:

1:68. Blessed be the Lord God of Israel: because he hath visited and wrought the redemption of his people.