Page:Studies in the Scriptures - Series I - The Plan of the Ages (1909).djvu/181

 yea, tbe beasts of the field, the fowl of the air and the fish of the sea." It has been suggested by some who would make the Bible conform to a theory of evolution, that th statement, "a little," in Heb. 2: 7, might be understood to mean a little while lower, and not a little degree lower than the angels. There is, however, neither authority nor reason for such an interpretation. This is a quotation from Psa 8 : 5, and a critical comparison of the Hebrew and Greek texts can leave no doubt as to the import. The idea, clearly expressed, is a little lower in degree than angels. David, in the psalm, refers to man in his original estate, and prophetically intimates that God has not abandoned his original plan to have man in his own image and the king of earth, and that he will remember him, redeem him and restore him to the same again. The Apostle (Heb. 2 : 7) calls attention to the same facSt that God's original purpose has not been abandoned; that man, originally grand and perfect, the king of earth, is to be remem- bered, and visited, and restored. He then adds, We see not this promised restitution yet, but we do see the first step God is taking toward its accomplishment. We see Jesus crowned with this glory and honor of perfect maahood, that he, as a fitting ransom or substitute might by God's favor taste death for every man, and thus prepare the way for the restitution of man to all that was lost. Rotherham, one of the most scrupulous translators, renders this passage as follows :

" What is an, that thou rememberest Hm; Or man's son, ftat thou visitest him? Thou modest him Zor some little than messengers : Wi& glory and honor thou crcrmadst him, And didst appoint him over the works of thy hands."

Nor should it be inferred tfcat a Kttle tower in degree means a Kttte less perfect, A creature may be perfe<3;, yet

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