began to think what that salutation, so unwonted, could be, or what it portended, or what end it would have. But the angel, divinely inspired, counteracting this thought, said, Fear not, Mary, as though I meant something contrary to thy chastity by this salutation; for thou hast found grace with the Lord, because thou hast chosen chastity; therefore, thou, as a virgin, shalt conceive without sin, and shalt bear a son. He shall be great, for he shall rule from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the world; and he shall be called the Son of the Most High, for he who is born humble on earth, reigneth exalted in heaven: and the Lord God shall give to him the seat of his father David, and he shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his kingdom shall be no end; since he is himself King of kings, and Lord of Lords, and his throne for ever and ever.[1]
The virgin, not incredulous at these words of the angel, but wishing to know the mode of their accomplishment, answered, How can this be? For since according to my vow I never knew man, how can I bring forth without human seed? To this the angel replied, Think not, Mary, that thou wilt conceive in human manner, for without intercourse with man, as a virgin thou shalt conceive, as a virgin thou shalt bring forth, as a virgin thou shalt nourish: for the Holy Spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of
- ↑ Ps. lxxii. 8; Luke i. 33.
