CHAP. IV. VER. 8. 913

giving gifts. As this was his office, the Scriptures speak of him as a conqueror laden with spoils, en- riched by his victories, and giving gifts to men. That the Psalmist had reference to the Messiah, is evident, because the passage speaks of his ascending. But for a divine person to ascend to heaven, supposes a pre- vious descent to the earth. It was the Son of God, the Messiah, who descended, and therefore it was the Son of God who ascended, and who is represented by the sacred writer as enriched by his triumphant work on earth, and distributing the fruits of his conquest as he pleased. This seems to be the general sense of the passage in the connection, although it is replete with difficulties. The great truth is, that Christ’s exaltation is the reward of his humiliation. By his obedience and sufferings he conquered the Prince of this world, he redeemed his people, and obtained the right to bestow upon them all needed good. He is exalted to give the Holy Ghost, and all his gifts and graces, to grant re- pentance and remission of sins. This great truth is foreshadowed and foretold in the Old Testament Scrip- tures. Wherefore he saith, διὸ λέγει, i. 6. God, or the Scriptures. ‘“ Having ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.” That is, what I have said respecting Christ being the distribu- tor of spiritual gifts, is in accordance with the pro: phetic declaration, that the ascended Messiah should give gifts to men. The Messiah is represented by the Psalmist as a conqueror, leading captives in triumph, and laden with spoils which he distributes to his fol-