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Observe here, 1. The virgin's question, How shall this be? This question did not import her denial of the possibility of the thing, but her wonder at the strangeness of the thing; it proceeded rather from a desire of information, than from a doubt of infidelity. Therefore she doth not say, This cannot be, nor, How can this be? but, How shall this be? She doth not distrust, but demand, how here virginity shall become fruitful, and how she, being a virgin, could bring forth a son?
Observe, 2. The angel's reply to the virgin's question, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee.
Where note, the angel declares the author who, but not the manner how: the Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, but in what way, and after what manner, is not declared: no mother knows the manner of her natural conception, what presumption had it then been for the mother of the Messiah, to have inquired how the Son of God could take flesh and blood of his creature! It is for none but the Almighty to know those works which do immediately concern himself.
Observe, 3. The holy and immaculate conception of our blessed Redeemer: The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shall overshadow thee; wherefore that holy thing which shall be born of thee, shall be caled the Son of God; that is, the Holy Ghost shall prepare and sanctify so much of thy flesh blood, or seed, as shall constitute the body of Chirst. For though it was a work of the whole Trinity, yet it is ascribed particularly to the Holy Ghost, sanctification being his peculiar work. And the title and epithet of that holy thing, sheweth the purity and immaculateness of Christ's human nature, and that none was ever born thus holy and immaculate but Christ only; because none had ever such a way and means of conception, but only he: Therefore that holy thing shall be called the Son of God; not constituted and made, but evidenced and declared. Christ was God before he assumed flesh, even from eternity; but his taking flesh in this manner, evidences him to be the Son of God.
Observe, 4. The argument used by the angel to confirm Mary in the belief of what he had told her, namely, the wonderful conception of her cousin Elizabeth, in her old age, who was now six months gone with child.
Where observe, 1. What an exact knowlege God has, and what a particular notice he takes of all the children of men; he knoweth not only ourselves, but our relations also, Behold thy cousin Elizabeth: the knowledge which God has of every person, and every action, is a clear and distinct knowledge.
Note, 2. How the angel strengthens her faith by a consideration drawn from the almighty power of God; With God nothing shall be impossible, be it ever so strange and difficult. There is no such way to overcome difficulties, as by strengthening our faith in the almighty power of God. Faith will enable us to assent to truths, though seemingly incredible, and to believe the possiblity of things, though appearing impossible.
Observe, lastly, how the virgin expresses her faith and obedience, her submission and entire resignation, to the divine pleasure, to be disposed of by God as he thought fit: Behold the handmaid of the Lord, be it unto me according to thy word. We hear of no more objections or interrogations, but a humble and submissive silence.
Learn hence, that a gracious heart, when once it understands the pleasure of God, argues no farther, but quietly rests in a believing expectation of what God will do. All disputations with God, after his will is made known and understood, arise from infidelity and unbelief. The virgin having thus consented, instantly conceived by the overshadowing power of the Holy Ghost.