ARGUMENT.
��The fruits of the hidden life of Christ portrayed. Mary is troubled by a dream, which foreshadows the departure of her divine Son upon his mission, and also his death. She implores him not to leave her. He explains the object of his advent, comforts her, and predicts her own death and exaltation at his right hand in heaven. She is inspired with a courage similar to his own, and now bids him go forth to fulfill the object of his incarnation. John the Baptist, baptizing at the ford of Jordan, sees him coming, announces him as the Lamb of God, and baptizes him. The heavens open, and God the Father, in an audible voice, proclaims his Son. The Holy Ghost descends upon him in the form of a dove, and leads him into the wilderness of Bethbera, where, after fasting forty days and nights, he is tempted of the Devil. Satan is foiled in every attempt, and at last precipitously takes his flight; angels come and minister to the victorious Messias.
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