57 Now Elisabeth's full time came that she should be delivered ; and she brought forth a son.
58 And her neighbours and her cousins heard how the Lord had shewed ^eat mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.
59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the cMld ; and they called him Zach- arias, after the name of his father.
60 And his mother answered and said, Not so; but he shall be called John.
61 And they said unto her, There is none of thy kindred that is called by this name.
62 And they made signs to his fa- ther, how he would have bim called.
63 And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is John. And they maryeUed idl.
64 And his mouth was opened im- mediately, and his tongue lootedy and he spake, and praised God.
. 6o And fear came on all that dwelt round about them : and all these say- ings were noised abroad throughout all the hill country of Judsea.
66 And all they that heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying. What manner of child shall this be r And the hand of the Lord wan with him.
We have in this passage the history of a birth, the birth of a burning and shining light in the Church, the forerunner of Christ Himself, — John the Baptist. The language in which the Holy Ghost describes the event is well worthy of remark. It is written that " The Lord shewed great mercy on Elisabeth.'' There was mercy in bringing her safely through her time of trial. There was mercy in making her the mother of a living child. Happy are those family circles, whose births are viewed in this light — as especial instances of ''the mercy" of the Lord.
40 lSXPOSnX)BY THOTTGRIB.
We 8ee in the oondttct of EUsabeth's ndghbonrs and oousins^ a striking example of the kindness we awe to one emothef. It is written that '' They rejoiced with her/^
How much more happiness there woidd be in this evil world, if conduct like that of Elisabeth's relations was more conunon! Sympathy in one another's joys and sorrows costs little, and yet is a grace of most mighty power. Like the oil on the wheels of some large engine, it may seem a trifliQg and unimportant thing, yet in reality it has an immense influence on the comfort and well- working of the whole machine of society. A kind word of congratulation or consolation is seldom forgotten. The heart that is wanned by good tidings, or chilled by affliction, is peculiarly susceptible, and sympathy to such a heart is often more precious than gold.
The servant of Christ will do well to remember this grace. It seems '^ a little one," and amidst the din of controversy, and the battle about mighty doctrines, we are sadly apt to overlook it Yet it is one of those pius of the tabernacle which we must not leave in the wilder- ness. It is one of those ornaments of the Christian character whidi make it beautiful m the eyes of men. Let us not foi^t that it is enforced upon us by a special precept : ^* Eejoioe with them that do rejoice, aud weep with them that weep." (Bom. zii. 15.) The practice of it seems to bring down a special blesang. The Jews who came to eomfort Mary and Martha at Bethany, s»w the greatest mirade that Jesus ever worked. — ^Above all, it is com* mended to us by the most perfect example. Our Lord was ready both to go to a marriage feast, and fo weep at a grave. (John ii. 1, &c. John xi. 1, &c.) Let us be ever ready to go and do likewise.
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