in the calendar, properly signifies the approach of the feast of the nativity. It includes four sundays, which begin on St Andrew's day, or on the sunday before or after it. During advent, and to the end of the octaves of epiphany, the solemnizing of marriage is forbid without a special licence. It is appointed to employ the thoughts of Christians on the first advent or coming of Christ in the flesh, and his second advent or coming to judge the world. The primitive Christians practised great austerity during this season.