Chap. III.      eſſential to the Chriſtian Religion     295

ter, was, To declare his infinite excellence ;
to aſſert his ſuperiority and dominion over
all creatures, without exception. This ap-
pears from the firſt chapter of the epiſtle to
the Hebrews. But arbritary alluſions and
accommodations, are by no means ſuitable
to this deſign. For with what propriety,
truth, or honeſty, could the author of the
epiſtle juſt mentioned, attempt to prove, that
the Old Teſtament ſpeaks greater and nob-
ler things of Jeſus Chriſt than it does of
angels ; by paſſages in which the Spirit of
inſpiration had the former no more in his
eye, than he had the latter? If it were a
b re accommodation we need only a turn
of thought a little different from his, apply-
ing to an angel what he applies to Chriſt;
and we ſhall, with equal reaſon, draw con-
cluſions directly oppoſite.

Once more; The apoſtles deſigned, by
theſe applications, to perſuade mankind to
render thoſe honours to their Lord, which
are his eternal right ; by ſhewing that the
Holy Ghoſt requires they ſhould be addreſ-
ſed to him. In purſuance of this intention,
they cite ſuch paſſages as command adora-
tion to be given to him; and ſuch as de-
clare the purpoſe of God that it ſhall be paid.
Of which number are the two following.
' Let all the angels of God worſhip him-
' At the name of Jeſus every knee ſhall bow.'
                                                                    But,