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, 5 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 ^ of wickedness vanished away ; the darkness of ignorance was dispersed ; and tyrannical authority was destroyed, God being manifested as a man, and man dis- playing power as God. But neither was the former a mere imagination,9 nor did the second imply a bare hu- manity ; '° but the one was absolutely true," and the other an economical an-angement.'^ Now that received a be- ginning which was perfected by God.'^ Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death.