A Life of St. John for the Young

et of the

, and thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Most High: For thou s

same came for witness, that he might bear witness of the li

hat burneth and sh

ngelist and St. John the Baptist standing toget

gh priest, the husband of Elizabeth, concerning their son, "Thou shalt call his name John." This name means "The Gift of God." Born in their old age he seemed especially such to them. He was a gift not only to his parents, but to his country and mankind. While Zebedee and Salome had not been told what their John shoul

e happy cousins praised God for what He h

r than Elijah, or Isaiah, or any other who had lived before him. With exultation

should appear among men. For this reason he was called the Fore-runner of the Messiah. But

munion with God. But he was not entirely concealed. There were a few who heard of his sanctity and wisdom, sought instruction from him, and abode with him, becoming his disciples. He seems to have had special influence over young men. Our Bethsaidan boys have now grown to be such since we saw them in their early h

s in the Tem

ge

shing, and go to the wilderness of Jud?a." To this the others reply, as on another occasion to Peter, "We also come with thee." Leaving the

the simple food of locusts and wild honey. His raiment was of the coarsest and cheapest cloth of camel's hair. His girdle was a rough band of leather, such as was worn by the p

ked upon him with increasing conviction that he was "a prophet of God." Instead of returning to their homes, they remained in Jud?a and attached themselves to him, and

old, calling him to a more public ministry. So "He came into all the country

d vine-dressers their vineyards, and Roman soldiers their garrisons, for the wilderness. Rabbis left their parchments in the synagogue, the schoolroom and the home, to hear the living voice of a teacher greater than any one of th

in Nazareth-F

ge

d to the power of his preaching. They were baptized by him; for t

ns and sought forgiveness. A lovely character became more lovely still, to be known as the loving and beloved one. He was ready to welcome the Messiah of whom the Baptist told. He had no fears that another Judas of Galilee had arisen. He believed that the promises concerning the coming One were being fulfilled.

to Elisabeth

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