ed, was not to have a
Saviour till she had given her consent to the angel's proposal; she
gives it, and behold the power and efficacy of her submissive Fiat. That
moment, the mystery of love and mercy promised to mankind four thousand
years before, foretold by so many prophets, desired by so many saints,
is wrought on earth. That moment, the Word of God is forever united to
humanity: the soul of Jesus Christ, produced from nothing, begins to
enjoy God, and to know all things past, present, and to come: that
moment, God begins to have an adorer, who is infinite, and the world a
mediator, who is omnipotent; and, to the working of this great mystery,
Mary alone is chosen to co-operate by her free assent. The prophets
represent the earth as moved out of its place, and the mountains as
melting away before the very countenance of God looking down upon the
world. Now that he descends in person, who would not expect that the
whole heavens should be moved? But another kind of appearance best
suited his coming on this occasion, which was with {659} the view of
curing our pride by his wonderful humiliations, and thereby repair the
injury the Godhead had suffered from our unjust usurpation; and not to
show forth his grandeur, and display his all-glorious majesty. How far
are the ways of God above those of men! how greatly does divine wisdom
differ from human folly! how does every circumstance in this mystery
confound the pride, the pomp, and the vain titles of worldly grandeur,
and recommend to us the love of silence and sincere humility! Shall the
disciples of Christ have other sentiments?

But what tongue can express the inward feelings and affections which
then filled the glowing heart of the most pure Mother of God? What light
shone in her understanding to penetrate the mysteries and the excess of
the unfathomed goodness of God! what ardors of holy love inflamed her
will! what jubilee filled her soul! Let men redeemed exult and praise,
returning to God their best homages of adoration, thanksgiving, and
love. It is for this duty that the church has appointed this present
festival, which we ought chiefly to consecrate to the contemplation of
this adorable mystery with hymns of love, praise, and thanksgiving. It
was the hope and comfort of all the ancient saints, and the great object
of all their earnest prayers, tears, and sighs. The prophets had a view
to it in all their predictions, this being the principal point in all
the won