When Herod reigned in Judea, and Augustus CÆsar was emperor of Rome, there dwelt at Nazareth, a small city of Galilee, in the Holy Land, a Virgin whose name was Mary: God Almighty sent Gabriel, one of his favourite angels, down from heaven to visit her, and to reveal to her the secret purpose of his divine pleasure. Gabriel, on his first approach, addressed her in the following words, Hail thou that art highly favoured; the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women. Mary thereupon was troubled and seemed startled at this salutation. Gabriel, however, bid her fear not, for that she had found favour with God. Behold, said he, thou shalt conceive and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. At this she seemed still more surprised; How shall this be, said she, seeing I know not a man? Then Gabriel assured her that the Holy Ghost should overshadow her; and thereupon, with submission to the divine will, she made the following reply: Behold the hand-maid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. At which time the Son of God became incarnate, and was like unto man, sin only excepted. At thirty years of age he began to preach, and his doctrine was most holy, and tends only to the glory of God and good of mankind. He wrought a great number of miracles, which manifested an infinite power and goodness. His life was perfectly holy. We may find therein an example of all kinds of virtue. Jesus having lived after this manner among the Jews, about four years, they then put him to death; but he rose again the third day after his death; and forty days after his resurrection he ascended into heaven, from whence he sent the Holy Ghost to his apostles upon the day of Pentecost.