E04654: In Praise of St John, a metrical account of the life of *John the Baptist (S00020), often attributed to Paulinus bishop of Nola (ob. c. 431), is written in Latin in Gaul, probably in the 5th c.; John’s gifts of prophecy and ability to cleanse the sins of others are emphasised.

Pseudo-Paulinus, In Praise of St John

Zachary, a priest, was told by an angel that he and his wife, Elizabeth were to bear a holy son who would possess many virtues and who would be called John. This son will cleanse sinners and be a paragon of sobriety (lines 27-107). This is followed by an account of the Annunciation to Mary (lines 108-138). John’s future greatness is revealed both within the womb – when he moved as the pregnant Mary came near (lines 139-172) – and throughout his childhood (lines 205-219). As he became an adult, John retreated to the wilderness and his bodily deprivations are described (lines 219-254). He is called by God to cleanse sinners with the waters of the river Jordan (lines 255-268). God’s mercy in cleansing sins is praised (lines 269-302). John is explicitly identified as a miracle worker and prophet who paves the way for Christ’s coming (lines 303-328).

Summary: Frances Trzeciak.