We now come to the Protevangelion, a fanciful gospel attributed to James, the "Bishop of Bishops," as he is called on the title page. It has incorporated this story of Zacharias and his avenging blood; and tacked on to it an account of the birth of the Virgin Mary. One Joachim was much afflicted because Anna his wife had no issue. He "called to mind the patriarch Abraham, how that God in the end of his life had given him his son Isaac," and he went into the wilderness and fasted forty days. An angel appeared to Anna and promised offspring. Mary the child was born, and dedicated to God. Zacharias, the high priest, received her in the temple. When she was twelve years old a veil was wanted, and the high priest cast lots to find out what maiden should spin it. The lot fell on Mary, and from this moment Zacharias was dumb. Meantime, Mary was espoused to Joseph, who, shortly afterwards finding his betrothed with child, was sorrowful. Both were summoned before the deputy of Zacharias, who caused them to go through the prescribed ordeal of drinking "the water of the Lord." Christ was born. The wise men came. Herod slew the infants, and murdered Zacharias in the temple. Then a mighty miracle occurred. The roofs of the temple howled, and were rent from the top to the bottom. And a voice from heaven said, "Zacharias is murdered, and his blood shall not be wiped away until the revenger of his blood shall come." Let us now suppose that Luke comes across this story, the "Luke" of the epoch of the most excellent Theophilus, the Luke with the "tendency" to soften subversive Essenism. How would he proceed? He might argue that John the Baptist would make a more suitable hero. He could be born of old parents like Mary. And the story would certainly gain in unity and dramatic vigour, if Zacharias the priest was made the old father. That one author has copied from the other there can be no doubt. Hail, thou art full of grace, thou art blessed amongst women. (Prot. ix. 7.) Mary, the Lord God hath magnified thy name to all generations. (Prot. vii. 4.) Mary, the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High overshadow thee. Wherefore, that which shall be born of thee shall be holy, and shall be called the Son of the Living God. And thou shalt call his name Jesus. (Prot. ix. 13.) For lo, as the voice of thy salutation reached my ears, that which is in me leaped and blessed me. (Prot. ix. 21.) Hail, thou art highly favoured. Blessed art thou among women. (Luke i. 28). My soul doth magnify the Lord. Henceforth all generations will call me blessed. (Luke i. 46, 48). The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest overshadow thee. Therefore, also that holy thing which shall be born, shall be called the Son of God. (Luke i. 35.) And shalt call his name Jesus. (Luke i. 31.) And it came to pass when Elizabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb. (Luke ii. 41.)