idea is finely presented by the Apostle in several instances. He is 'far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.'* 'For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.'t Every attempt seems to be made by the inspired penmen to present the Saviour before the mind in the most elevated manner. In their view he stands above, far above, all the potentates of earth, in power and authority. His power is far beyond that of any earthly monarch. He is 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords.' The power of all earthly rulers is limited, but Jesus has 'all power in heaven and in earth.' Why is Jesus. placed so high by the Father? This question admits of an easy reply. 'Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.' We see then for what end God clothed Jesus with power. This is presented again by the Apostle: 'Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.' If Jesus does

not ultimately save the world, his exalted state will seem to answer no valuable end. But we need not fear; the work has commenced and will be carried forward. Earth and hell may oppose, but all will be in vain. All will ultimately be finished, to the glory of God. We should, therefore, rejoice that God has placed his Son as 'the head of the corner.' The Head of the Church being safe and in glory, the body, in all its fullness and entireness, must follow. The human family will be gathered into heaven, and Jesus their head will be united to them forever. 'Glory be to God in the highest.' Amen and Amen.

XXXVI. HEIR.

'God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds.'

Heb. i. 1, 2.

'WE can scarcely conceive,' says Dr. Clarke, 'any thing more dignified than the opening of this epistle: the sentiments are exceedingly elevated, and the language harmony itself. The infinite God is at once produced to view, not in any of those attributes which are essential to the Divine nature; but in the manifestations of his love to the world, by giving a revelation of his will relative to the salvation of mankind; and thus preparing the way, through a long train of years, for the introduction of that most glorious Being, his own Son. This Son, in the fullness of time, was manifested in the flesh, that he might complete all vision and prophecy, supply all that was wanting to perfect the great scheme of revelation, for the instruction of the world; and then die to put away sin, by the sacrifice of himself.'

Jesus is thus styled in one more instance, and that in a parable, Matt. xxi. 33.

Frequent allusion is made in the sacred writings to the vast inheritance of this heir. Ages before his birth, the Father said to him, 'Ask of me and I will give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the

uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.'* Long had this heir been promised. Age after age wore slowly away. Patriarchs and prophets looked forward with the eye of faith to the glorious period. At length, a messenger appeared fresh from the throne of God, announcing the birth of the heir. He appeared, and 'took not on him the nature of angels, but the seed of Abraham.' And he commenced his great work of gathering up his vast inheritance. And the husbandmen to whom the vineyard had been let, said, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance. And they caught him, and they cast him out of the vineyard, and slew him.' Such was the fate of God's heir. But the same power that sent him raised him from the dead. Ultimately, he will succeed in bringing home to the Great Father all his vast possessions, and when all are brought in, he will say, Here am I and the whole inheritance which thou didst give unto me. Receive, O Father, thy children, purified from all sin, and redeemed from all iniquity. 'Look, my Father, through the wide extended universe, for thou beholdest all thy works in every situation with the utmost ease, see, there is not one rebellious creature to be found! Where sin once reigned and abounded, grace now reigns and abounds much more. All confusion and disorder are destroyed; the whole creation exhibits one great scene of peace, harmony, and divine order.'

But it is said 'that we are heirs of God, and jointheirs with Christ.' The same cheering sentiment is

expressed in the Apostle's letter to the church at Galatia: เ And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.'* The same glorious and all-absorbing truth is again presented in the epistle to the church at Corinth: 'Therefore let no man glory in men: for all things are yours; whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; and ye are Christ's and Christ is God's.'t

A greater truth was never presented to the human mind than is contained in these passages. From them, we may gather some idea of our immense possessions. Not only heirs of God, but joint heirs with Christ! Speaking of believers, a writer breaks forth in the following eloquent strain :-'They are heirs of God, they do inherit God himself. Their Father is their portion; man leaves his heirs what he has, God gives his heirs what he is. He which gives them the inheritance is the inheritance itself, which he gives them, by being not only heir to him, but heirs of him; they have an interest in all his attributes. His wisdom is theirs to guide and direct them. His power is theirs to sustain and preserve them; theirs to relieve and succor them! O happy and blessed privilege of God's adopted ones! They are not only heirs of heaven, but heirs of God himself! They have him for their portion and exceeding great reward. They are heirs with Christ; as Christ is God's heir, so are

* Gal. iv. 6, 7.

† 1 Cor. iii. 21-23.