Chapter XIX.—Three celebrated...

Chapter XIX.—Three celebrated mysteries.

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, ⁶¹³ which were wrought in silence by ⁶¹⁴ God. How, then, was He manifested to the world? ⁶¹⁵ A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else [in the heavens]. Hence every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, ⁶¹⁶ which were wrought in silence, but have been revealed to us. A star shone forth in heaven above all that were before it, and its light was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star. It far exceeded them all in brightness, and agitation was felt as to whence this new spectacle [proceeded]. Hence worldly wisdom became folly; conjuration was seen to be mere trifling; and magic became utterly ridiculous. Every law ⁶¹⁷ of wickedness vanished away; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man displaying power as God. But neither was the former a mere imagination, ⁶¹⁸ nor did the second imply a bare humanity; ⁶¹⁹ but the one was absolutely true, ⁶²⁰ and the other an economical arrangement. ⁶²¹ Now that received a beginning which was perfected by God. ⁶²² Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.

Footnotes

57:613

Literally, “of noise.”

57:614

Or, “in the silence of God”—divine silence.

57:615

Literally, “to the ages.”

57:616

Literally, “of noise.”

57:617

Some read, “bond.”

57:618

Literally, “opinion.”

57:619

Literally, “bareness.”

57:620

Literally, “truth.”

57:621

Literally, “an economy.”

57:622

Or, “that which was perfect received a beginning from God.”