fore, for it is not easy to see how one can visit

a nonentity.

Farther, the Apostle Paul, in the second chapter of his epistle to the Hebrews, cites this passage to prove the divine glory of the Lord Christ but if it relates to man, the apostle would argue very strangely, in asserting that Christ was above the angels, because man was below them.

The phraseology, however, both of the psalmist and of the apostle puts the matter beyond doubt and forbids reply. The word which we translate made lower, has not the smallest reference to creation, but signifies in both the original languages, to lessen, to diminish, to bring from a superior to an inferior station and the word which we render little, refers, not to degrees of dignity, but to length of time.

Now, if the glory of Christ suffered a diminution by his being made (as the margin very properly reads) for a little while lower than the angels; the inference is strictly logical, that prior to this event he was above them, and therefore was God. In this view the words are not at all applicable to man: for when was he higher than the angels? In any other, the apostle's quotation is impertinent, and his argument ridiculous.

The only difficulty which can remain, is, that the psalmist should introduce the Redeemer so abruptly, by the relative "him," without any previous notice of the person whom he meant. But this difficulty will vanish, if we allow ourselves to reflect that this psalm was composed in the hours of retirement-that it is a devout effusion of gratitude to God. Surely the psalmist knew whom he meant, and as surely God could be at no loss to understand him-nor will this circumstance prejudice the general use of the psalm, for we must farther reflect not only that the manner in which the sacred penman speaks precludes uncertainty about the person to whom he alludes, but that the faith of ancient believers pointed perpetually to a promised Saviour, like the needle to the pole-that they were so frequently engaged in meditating upon his character and offices, as not to be taken by surprise when he was suddenly mentioned without any formal intimation. In truth they knew much more of their Redeemer, and thought much oftener upon him, than we are willing to believe--they knew much more of him, and thought much oftener on him, than many who are inclined to pride themselves on their superior light.

When, therefore, the psalmist says, thou hast

made him for a little while lower than the angels, nothing else can be intended than God's sending his own Son to assume our nature, to sojourn in our earth, and to submit to all that train of afflictions which are comprehended under the term of his humiliation. But this scene of suffering was of short duration : for having finished the work which was given him to do-having, by his obedience and death, made reconciliation for iniquity, and brought in everlasting righteousness; he rose from the dead, he ascended up into heaven, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high; or as the psalmist expresses it, he was crowned with glory and honor.

That Jehovah should be at such vast expense to rescue perishing men from everlasting ruin, is a thought too big for our little souls; but the fact is as certain as the thought is transporting and to complete our consolation, the inspired psalmist not only assures us of the reality, and tells us how the blessing was procured for men, but informs us,

V. What provision is made that it shall not be lost, but shall be continued and experienced in the world till the end of time.

The provision of which I speak, is the supreme and uncontrolable authority of the Lord Jesus; an authority which he constantly ex

erts for the benefit of his church, so that all things shall work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose.

Of this authority we have a description in the 6th, 7th, and 8th verses. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands: thou hast put all things under his feet. All sheep and oxen; yea, and the beasts of the field: the foul of the air and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

No argument is necessary to show that the whole of this passage belongs to the same person: and the beginning of it is expressly applied to Christ by the Apostle Paul, 1 Cor. xv. 27, and Ephes. i. 22. In the latter, after declaring that God the Father had exalted Christ far above all principality and power, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come. He sums up his description of the Redeemer's authority, in the general expression of the psalmist, and hath put all things under his feet. The very same application is made, in the epistle to the Hebrews, where the apostle proves from the fact, that the psalmist could not mean the dominion which man exercises over the creatures: for, says he, we see not yet all things put under him: yet, after so long a time, after all

his advantages, and improvement, and labor, we see not yet all things put under him: but we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels-crowned with glory and honor.

It is perfectly clear that all the works of God, are not now, and never were, and never will be, under our government: but to our Redeemer is given all power in heaven and earth. His unlimited rule extends to every the meanest thing that swims in the waters, creeps on the earth, or flies in the air. But by his command, even the beasts of the field shall espouse his quarrel; the veriest reptile shall be to his enemies a messenger of wrath!

After this brief, but comprehensive and delightful view of the dominion of the Messiah, David concludes the psalm as he had begun, by expressing his reverence, gratitude, and admiration and all who are governed by the same spirit, will cordially join his note of praise--O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!

Let us dwell upon a few of the practical reflections which this psalm suggests.

1. The brightest and most endearing illustration of the divine glory, is in the scheme of redemption.

'Tis true, God has sketched, if I may so speak, the outlines of his character upon his