it known that in the sanctuary he had a vision of
an angel, who declared to him that his wife, who was childless, should
have a son in her old age who should be a great prophet and preacher,
proclaiming the Messiah. Since that time, the aged couple, who live
south of Jerusalem, have indeed been blessed with a child, the father's
dumbness disappearing with its birth and the priest again praising the
Lord of his people. To this child has been given the name of John.

What is most remarkable and unexplainable of all is something confirmed
by Joseph and Mary, as well as by Zacharias and his wife. The wife of
Zacharias, who is named Elizabeth, is a cousin of Mary, and some impulse
moved the latter, after she had explained her condition to Joseph, to
visit her aged kinswoman. She did so, and no sooner had she reached the
home of Zacharias and entered the door than Elizabeth, who had not known
of her coming, broke forth into praise of Mary as to be the mother of
her Lord. The unborn babe, it is declared, recognized the presence of
the Messiah, and so Elizabeth was led to adore and prophesy.

Many Nazarenes who are now in Jerusalem were seen, and all confirmed the
story, so far as they could know of the relations of Joseph and Mary,
while many people of the hill town where Zacharias and Elizabeth live
confirm all that is related of the extraordinary occurrence in their
household, of the husband's recovery from dumbness when his child was
born, and of his apparent inspiration at the time. There is a strong
feeling among the Jews, and the belief in the real appearance of the
Messiah is spreading, though, as intimated, the priests of the temple,
with the exception already alluded to, seem disposed to discredit the
revelation. They declare that the Messiah would scarcely come in such
humble way; that the Prince of the House of David who shall renew the
glory of their race will come in great magnificence and that all will
recognize Him at once.

What has been related is what was learned some days ago from the
interviews given and from inquiries in all quarters where it seemed
likely that they would throw any light on what has really occurred.
Since then something as inexplicable has happened as anything heretofore
reported, something from many points of view more startling and
unexplainable. There came into Jerusalem recently three Persians of the
sort called magi, or wise men, the students of the great race who have
been to an e