Luke 1:26-30 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,… It ought to be highly encouraging to those whose lot is cast in the quiet walks of life — who occupy quiet, private, and unobtrusive stations — to observe how great honour was put on one humble as themselves; and how, in the faithful discharge of simple duties, and the making use of the appointed means, such piety has been attained as has never been surpassed, and perhaps rarely equalled. Mary had undoubtedly poverty to struggle with, and she was not placed in any conspicuous part, where great things were to be done and endured for God. Up to the time of the visit from the angel she had probably lived in the unaffected life which presents daily the same duties — perhaps daily the same hardships — the life of that great mass of human beings of whom the world never hears — who, some with more, others with less, of external pressure, rise in the morning to begin a round of humble occupations, of which, if night brings the close, the morrow will bring the repetition. Yet, living such a life as this, performing the daily duties which devolve on members of low, and perhaps straitened, families — duties on which there is nothing to throw splendour, and which may seem little favourable to deep spirituality — did Mary grow so rich with the graces of piety, as to be the fittest for the high honour which God had in store for woman. After this, let no one repine at not being called to eminent station, as though it were necessary to be great in office in order to being great in the virtues or rewards of religion. It has been well said that no man is to complain of want of power or opportunity for religious perfection. The devout woman in her closet, praying, with much zeal and affection, for the conversion of souls, is in the same order of arrangement, as to grace in general, as he who, by excellent doctrines, put it into a more forward position to be actually performed. (H. Melvill, B. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,WEB: Now in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth, |
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