"But whatdid you goout to see?A prophet?Yes,I sayto you, and one who is morethan a prophet.
"And you, child,will be calledthe prophetof the Most High;For you will goon BEFORETHE LORDTO PREPAREHIS WAYS;
"The Lawand the Prophets[were proclaimed] untilJohn;sincethat timethe gospelof the kingdomof Godhas been preached,and everyoneis forcing his wayinto it.
"But ifwe say,'From men,'allthe peoplewill stone us to death,for they are convincedthat Johnwas a prophet."
"But whatdid you goout to see?A mandressedin softclothing?Thosewho are splendidlyclothedand livein luxuryare [found] in royal palaces!
"Thisis the one aboutwhomit is written,BEHOLD,I SENDMY MESSENGERAHEADOF YOU, WHOWILL PREPAREYOUR WAYBEFOREYOU.'
"He was the lampthat was burningand was shiningand you were willingto rejoicefor a whilein his light.
