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_.
The blessed JESUS being condemned by _Pilate_, was crucified at a place called _Golgotha_, between two thieves. At his death the sun was darkened, the earth shook, the vail of the temple was rent in twain, the graves opened, and many people who had been dead appeared to their friends. This great sacrifice was offered up for out redemption on a _Friday_, the day of the Jewish passover, and the solemn feast observed by the christian church called _Good Friday_.