angel himself gave him a name, and we do not read that this ever happened to any other except to Christ. This was not an unmeaning name, but full of mystery, and it imports that the Baptist was specially favored by Almighty God.
III. Consider the dignity of the Baptist's office : " He shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elias." (Luke i. 17.) It was his duty to bear witness to the truth of the Incarnation, and to point out the Messias. He was to do this in the spirit and power of Elias, that is, with an undaunted courage and undiminished zeal, which accompanied him during the whole course of his life — in the wilderness, at the river Jordan, in cities, in the court of Herod, in prison, and in death itself. " He prepared for the Lord a perfect people" (Luke i. 17), by his baptism, by his preaching penance, and by the austerity of his life. Examine whether it be not your duty to do all or something of this, and excite yourself to imitate the example of St. John.
SATURDAY.
Nativity of John the Baptist.— II.
I. " Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son." (Luke i. 57.) Reflect on the joy of the parents, and the congratulations of their friends, for this blessing. Such is the joy of the Saints and angels, and such the internal satisfaction of the soul when it conceives virtuous resolutions and is fruitful in good works. Be not discouraged if you do not immediately attain that virtue, or overcome that vice, which you desire. God is accustomed to delay his gifts and favors, in order to inflame your desires of them.
