TRACTS FOR THE TIMES.
SERMONS FOR SAINTS' DAYS AND HOLIDAYS.
(No. 2. THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY.)
This day, though named from the Blessed Virgin, is one of the greatest festivals of our Saviour. And, therefore, in former times the Church of England reckoned it the beginning of her year; thereby especially giving intimation, that she would have the whole year dedicated to Jesus Christ. For this day, with which she began it, marks the time of His gracious incarnation; upon which all that we have or hope, both in Heaven and in earth, entirely depends. For, as St. Paul argues concerning another link in the chain of God's mysterious mercy. If Christ were not truly made man, then He did not truly die for our sins: if He did not, then was He not raised again: and "if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain, ye are yet in your sins." Such was the adorable will of God Almighty, in His counsels for redeeming lost mankind. There was to be no communion between God and man, except through the everlasting Son, Himself both God and man. This is the foundation laid from the beginning, besides which no man can lay any other. Men may think little of it, but the evil spirits know it well; and accordingly, they have busied themselves from the beginning in nothing so much as in perplexing the minds of the unwary with regard to the incarnation of our Lord and Saviour, and our communion with God through him. Church history is little else than a record on the
