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Of the Annunciation of the B. Virgin; And first of sending the Angel.
* 1.1THe Angel was sent of God into a City of Galilee called Nazareth to a Virgin, &c. Consider 1. What an Embassage this is. Never was there in the world any thing so Solemn. He that sendeth, is the God of Majesty, the most holy and divine Trinity. The Messenger is Gabriel the Arch-angel, which is as much as to say, Fortitude or strength; to signifie, that what Message he brought, though it might seem never so difficult or impossible, must be fulfilled. See how promptly he taketh, and execu∣teth the charge imposed upon him; and imitate in like occasions.
* 1.2Consider 2. To whom he is sent What man if he had seen such an Embassadour dispatched imme∣diately from God himself, coming down from Hea∣ven into this lower world, would not have thought him sent to some great Monarch? and yet he is sent to a City of no account, From Nazareth can there be any good? to a little Cottage, and to a poor Vir∣gin espoused to a Carpenter. Be ashamed that you should so miserably love, and seek after such things as appear great and specious in the sight of the world. Correct this affection in your self, and know that you are in a grosse errour.
Consider 3. The substance of the Embassie was to require the Virgins consent to be Mother of God. God hath right to exact any thing of his Creature, yet he will have our duties towards him to be voluntary. He that created you without you (saith St. Augustine) will not save you without you. Oh how often doth God send unto you invisible Angels, his holy Inspirations, to gain your good