Divine pleasure. "Be it done to me according to Thy word." (Luke i. 38.) Conceive how agreeable this answer was to God, to angels, and to men. Imitate her resignation, and the resignation of her divine son, who afterwards prayed, " Not as I will, but as Thou wilt." (Matt. xxvi. 39 ) The angel had fulfilled his commission, the holy Trinity was rejoiced, and the Virgin arrested the attention of God. of angels, and of man. Let your conduct prove that she has gained some of your attention.
SATURDAY.
Accomplishment of the Incarnation.
I. After the Virgin's consent, the eternal Word, "as a bridegroom coming out of his bride-chamber," to celebrate his nuptials with human nature, "rejoiced as a giant to run the way" (Ps. xviii. 6), to unite Himself to the weakness of human nature, and to commence the work of our redemption. He took flesh of the Virgin Mary; to this He united a rational soul, and He communicated His divinity to both. Thus, "the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us." (John i. 14.) Conceive what joy the angels in heaven felt, and the Saints in limbo, at the accomplishment of this salutary mystery.
II. Consider what kind of a body the eternal Word assumed in the Virgin's womb. He might have assumed a body immortal and glorious (for this was His due); but He preferred to take to Himself the mortal flesh of a helpless infant. 1. In order that He might "in all things be made like to His brethren." (Heb. ii. 17.) 2. In order to induce us to love Him more tenderly. 3. To remove all fear from us, and to inspire us with confidence. 4. To give us an example of humility, patience and mortifica-
