Zacharias had been dumb since the moment when he doubted the prophecy
of the angel. (Luke 1:20.) When the promised son was born the
neighbors and friends of the mother, Elisabeth, objected to the name
John. (Luke 1:57-61.)
_Fra Angelico, Plate 7,_ has represented the moment when they appeal
to the dumb father, and he writes upon a tablet the words "His name
is John." (Luke 1:63.) The child, eight days old, is present to be
named preparatory to circumcision. (Gen. 17:12.)
[Illustration: Birth of John.]
Plate 7. _Birth of John._ Fra Angelico. 1370-1450.