490 A SERIOUS ADDRESS TO demption of captives, the joy of mourners, the glory of the infamous, and, in a word, the salvation of the lost. Though he was the Creator of men and angels, he vouchsafed to be born of a woman, that we, the wretched offspring of degenerate Adam, might be born again, born of God. Though he had stretched forth the heavens like a curtain, and bespangled them with stars .innumerable; he wrapped himself in the -scanty fading garment of our flesh, and put on the vail of our miserable humanity, that we might be invested with the glory and, communicable per- fections of the divine nature. Though he was the King of kings, and Lord of lords, he did not disdain to take upon .him the form and office of a servant, that we might be delivered from the slavery of Satan, and that angels might be sent forth to minister for us, who are the heirs of salvation.. Though he was the fulness of him who fills all in all, he worked that he might not want: and toiled, that he might rest; and endured hunger and thirst, that he might taste the hidden manna, eat the bread of life, and drink with him the mystic wine of his Father's kingdom. His omnipotent word covers a thousand hills with verdure, and clothes millions of creatures with rich furs, glittering scales, and shining plumage ; but O infinite condescension ! he submitted to be stript of his plain raiment, that our shame might not appear; he became naked, that he might be adorned with robes of righteousness, and garments of salvation. Though his' riches were immense and unsearchable like himself, though heaven was his throne, and earth his footstool, he became poor and was destitute of a place where to lay his head, that we might be rich in faith here, and heirs of the kingdom hereafter. Though he was, is now, and ever shall be, the joy of the heavenly powers, and the object of their deepest "'adoration ; he was voluntarily despised of men, that we might be honoured of God: he was acquainted too with grief, that we might rejoice with joy unspeakable, and full of glory. Though supreme A
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