Vol. 2

—278 ST. LUKE.the enjoyments of this world, and who understandneither the excellence of virginity, nor the advantagesof spiritual fruitfulness. God some way orother still delivers those whom he loves : it is ourduty to expect his time with confidence, and to leavethe choice of our portion to him.Sect. III.The Annunciation." 26. f And in the sixth month the angel Gabrielwas sent from God unto a city of Galilee, namedNazareth, 27. To a virgin espoused to a man,whose name was Joseph, of the house of David ; andthe virgin's name was Mary."At length the moment is come which is to give aSon to the Virgin, a Saviour to the world, a Patternto mankind, a Sacrifice to sinners, a Head to theangels, a Temple to the Divinity, a new Worshipperto the eternal Father, a new nature to his Son,and a new principle to the new world.Is it not veryjust and reasonable that we should prepare ourselvesfor reading the history of the abasement of the Word,by a profound humiliation of heart, by adoration,gratitude, love, &c.?This angel is sent from God,not to the palaces of the great, nor to the kings oremperors of the earth, but to a poor maid, to the wifeof a carpenter. Great degrees of grace are butseldom conferred on the great. The Son of Godcomes to humble these, and to honour poverty, weakness,and contempt. He chooses an obscure placefor the mystery which is most glorious to hishumanity;and for that which is most degrading, he willchoose the greatest city. How far are men fromsuch a conduct as this !