An exposition upon the song of the blessed virgin Mary, called Magnificat Where unto…An exposicion vpon the songe of the blessed virgine Mary, called Magnificat Where vnto…

Here doth the blessed virgin sing at once and in a seemly order all the works that God hath wrought in her. In the last verse hath she song of the looking graciously of God and his bounteous and merciful will toward her: the which is the chief and principal part of mercy and grace (as is said:) and here she singeth of gifts and works. For God though he give many one great gifts, and strew his goods in commune, yet doth not he therefore straight way look upon and behold them. The worldly and temporal goods are good: but the grace, favour and sight of God, are the heritage that doth last ever: as saith Paul Ro. vi. The gift of God is everlasting life in our LORD Jesus Christ. In the goods giveth he that is his, but in the sight and grace doth he give himself. In the goods is his hand received, but in the sight of grace upon the heart, his spirit, mind and will are received there in. Wherefore the holy virgin doth give the most thanks unto the sight of God. Neither sayeth she first: All child's children shall call me ⟨image 35⟩blessed, because he hath done so great things unto me, whereof this verse maketh mention: But because he hath looked upon me that am vile and of no reputation, and to my low degree, whereof the first verse doth specify. Where a gracious beholding is, there are gifts also, but not contrary wise is there a gracious sight, where gifts are. For this cause doth this verse or part of this song duly follow the first verse. After this manner do we read