The Marrow of Divinity, Religious treatise · Chapter 8
CHAP. VIII. Questions, and Cases of Conscience about the Angels.
Quest. WHat are Angels?
Answ. Created good spirits sent forth by God to minister for the good of the Elect, and for the punishment of the wicked, Heb. 1.17, 14. 2 Kings 19.15.
Quest. What titles doth the Scripture give to them?
Answ. First, they are called spirits, to shew their nature, which is spiritual.
Secondly, Ministers, to shew their Office, which is to Minister to God, to Christ, and to the sons of men.
Thirdly, Men of God: So Judg. 13.6, 9. The Angel is called a man, because he appeared in the shape of a man: and a man of God, because he came from, and was sent by God.
Fourthly, Sons of God: So Job 1.6. Because they received their being, and are sustained by God, as also for that being made after his Image, they still retain the same.
Fifthly, Gods. So Psal. 8.5. to set out their excellency, Psal. 82.1, 6. For so in Scripture…language excellent things are stiled Gods, Psal. 97.7.
Sixthly, Cherubims, Gen. 3.24. Ezek. 10.1. which signifies a Figure or Image: most usually a resemblance of a young man: for so they appeared as a man, to shew that they had knowledge and understanding, (as men have reasonable soules) and as a young man, to set out their beauty, vigour, strength, &c.
Seventhly, Seraphims, Isa. 6.2, 6. which comes from an Heb. word that signifies to burn: and they were so called, either from this particular act in touching the Prophets lips with a burning cole: or from their fervent zeale in executing the Will of God.
Eighthly, Watchers: So Dan. 4.13, 17. and its attributed to Angels.
1. Because of their nature, being spirits they are not subject to drowsinesse and sleepinesse: but wake and watch day and night.
2. Because of their office, which is alwayes to behold the face of God, Mat. 18.10. and to be ever ready to do his Will, Psal. 103.20. which requires watching.
3. Because of the constant and continual care that they have over the Saints to keep them from the manifold dangers, whereunto they are subject. Hence they are said to be full of eyes round about, Ezek. 1.18.
Ninthly, Holy ones; So Dan. 4.13, 17. because of that holinesse wherein they were at first created, and in which they still abide: Hence called holy Angels, Mar. 8.38. Mat. 25.31.
Tenthly, Gods Host. So Gen. 32.2. Psal. 103.21. Luke 2.13. because God useth them as an Host to protect his Saints, 2 Kings 6.17. and to destroy his enemies, 2 Chron. 32.21. Rev. 12.7.
Eleventhly, Thrones. So Col. 1.16. because of their dignity and excellency, being fit to sit on thrones, at least in comparison of other creatures.
Twelfthly, Dominions: So Col. 1.16. because God hath given them dominion and rule, whereby as Lords under God they order and govern matters and persons in the world.
Thirteenthly; Principalities; as Dominions note indefinitely and generally, such as have authority without respect to any peculiar jurisdiction; So Principalities are such as have a special and peculiar jurisdiction: So Tit. 3.1. Its attributed to Angels, Eph. 3.10. Col 1.16. because God sets them over particular Policies, Kingdomes and Persons.
Fourteenthly, Powers: the word properly signifies that right which Governours have to exercise their authority. So John 10.18. Acts 5.4. It shewes therefore that Angels have a good right to that Government which they take upon them.
Fifteenthly, Mights: this title imports strength and abilitie to accomplish what they undertake. Hence they are said to be mighty in strength, Psal. 103.20. So they are called, Rom. 8.38.
Quest. What are the principal properties of the Angels?
Answ. First, they have great knowledge: for they are understanding creatures able to understand any mysteries that are revealed; they understand according to the spiritual power of an Angelical minde, comprehending all things that they will together most easily, Mat. 18.10. In Heaven they alwayes behold the face of God, implying, that they are privy to the whole Counsel of God revealed in Heaven. On earth also they frequent the Assemblies of Saints, whereby they know the whole counsel of God made known to the Church, Eph. 3.10. 1 Pet. 1.12. And this gift is necessary, because their maine function, is to be Gods messengers to declare and execute his Will, which they could not do without knowledge thereof.
Secondly, Prudence: For Knowledge works Prudence, and Prudence directs Knowledge. Hence Jam. 3.13. they are coupled together. And this is necessary, because the evil Angels, against whom the good Angels defend the Saints, are exceeding crafty and subtile.
Thirdly, Purity: which is perfect without the mixture of any impurity and sin. Signified by the pure white linnen wherewith they are said to be cloathed, Rev. 15.6. Hence they are stiled holy Angels, Mar. 8.38. under which is comprised their sincerity, Rev. 14.5. and their integrity in execuring Gods Will, Psal. 103.20. and these are necessary to make them fit to appear in the Presence of the pure and holy God; For Rev. 21.27. Hab. 1.13. Psal. 5.4.
Fourthly, Glory: such is the brightnesse of their glory, that its resembled to lightening, Mat. 28.3. so that men on earth cannot endure the brightnesse of Angels, Numb. 22.31, 33. Mat. 28.4. Yea, good men cannot endure it, Luke 1.12. and 2.9. Rev. 19.10. and 22.8. Dan. 8.17. and this is necessary for the glory of the Lord whom they serve, as Courtiers attending upon Kings are gorgeously attired, Mat. 11.8.
Fifthly, Power: Hence they are called mighty, 2 Thes. 1.7. Strong, Rev. 5.2. to excel in strength, Psal. 103.20. Resembled to horses and charets of fire, 2 Kings 6.17. See what one Angel did, 1 Kings 17.35. and this is necessary, because the Church and children of God whom they defend, have here against them, not only many, mighty, cruel, malicious men, but Principalities, Powers, &c. Eph. 6.12.
Sixthly, Speed: Hence they are said to have wings, Isa. 6.2. Dan. 9.21, 23. they are swifter then any corporeal substances in these respects.
1. They cannot be hindered by any bodily impediments, no corporal substance can stay thei… course; they can passe through, and passe over Castles, Cities, Stone-walls, Iron-gates, Woods, Rivers, Seas, &c.
2. They have no corporal gravity to slaken their motion.
3. They need not such space of time to passe from place to place, as bodies need. They can suddenly move from heaven to earth, or into any place of the world.
4. They have great forwardnesse to do any task enjoyned by their Lord, more then any other creatures. Its necessary for them.
1. Because heaven and earth are so far asunder, and they have oft occasions to passe from one to the other.
2. Many Saints in the world, (whose distresse requires present succours) are far distant one from another.
3. Devils are very swift to mischief: and its meet that good Angels be as swift to protect, as evil ones to annoy.
Seventhly, Zeal, which is most fervent; Hence Seraphim; such as burne with zeal, and a flame of fire, Heb. 1.7. Its necessary because of the fiery fury of the devil and his instruments in plotting against Gods glory, and his Saints good, therefore the good Angels must be as zealous in maintaining the cause of God and his Saints, as the other are furious against them.
Eighthly, Constancy in good: and this with respect both to their condition and disposition.
In respect of their condition they are immortal, and without decay; Hence after the Resurrection we are said to be equal to the Angels, Luke 20.36.
In respect of their disposition: It alwayes temains good, and ever will do: they never yielded to any evil, nor were weary of good, nor never repented of doing good. Hence Rev. 7.15. they serve God day and night: And Mat. 18.10. Its necessary, because the Lord whom they serve is Jehovah that changes not, Mal. 3.6. Jam. 1.17. God established the good Angels that stand, and this is the true cause of their unalterable constancy.
Quest. What are the Offices of the Angels?
Answ. They may be ranked under three Heads.
First, such as they perform to God, which are these.
1. They attend in his Presence for the honour of his Majesty, and to set out his magnificence. So 1 Kings 22.19.
2. They follow the Lord whithersoever he goes. Hence stiled Charets of God, Psal. 68.17.
3. They are his Messengers to be sent on his Errands, Psal. 104.4. Dan. 7.10.
4. They are oft employed in declaring his Will, as in delivering the Law, Acts 7.53. Gal. 3.19. Heb. 2.2. So in divers other particulars: As Gen. 16.7, 9. and 19.1. 2 Kings 1.3. Dan. 7.16. Luke 1.13, 26▪ and 2.10. Acts 1.11. and 5.19, 20. and 8.26. and 10.3. Revelat. 1.1.
5. They are his Ministers, to do what God appoints them, Psal. 103.20. Gen. 19.1. Numb. 20.16. Numb. 22.22. Dan. 6.22.
6. They are Executioners of Gods judgements, as 2 Sam. 24.15, 16. 2 King. 19.35. Rev. 15.7.
7. They are special instruments of praising God, Rev. 7.11, 12. and 4.8. Hence they are called on to do it, Psal. 103.20. and 142.2.
Secondly, such as they perform in relation to Christ, and that especially as Son of man: As, In general, they ascended and descended on him, John 1.51. G…n. 28.12. Heb. 1.6. Psal. 91.11. More particularly,
1. They foretold his conception, Luke 1.30, 31.
2. Declared his birth, Luke 2.9. &c.
3. Prevented his danger, Mat. 2.13, 14.
4. Ministred to him in his need, Mar. 1.13.
5. Protected him from enemies, Mat. 26.53.
6. Comforted him in his Agony, Luke 22.43.
7. Opened his Grave at his Resurrection, Mat. 28.2.
8. Witnessed his Resurrection, Luke 24.5, 6, 23.
9. Confirmed his Ascension, Acts 1.10, 11.
10. Accompanied him to Heaven, Ps. 68.17, 18. Eph. 4.8.
11. Reveal what he will have done, Rev. 1.1. and 22.16.
12. Fight with him against his enemies, Rev. 12▪ 7.
13. Gather out of his Kingdome all things that offend, Matth. 13.49, 50.
14. Accompany him at his last coming, Mar. 8.38. Mat. 25.31.
15. Execute his last judgement, Mat. 13.49, 50.
Thirdly, such as they perform in relation to mens bodies and soules, in this life, and hereafter. In general, they are said to attend on the Saints, and to minister to them, Heb. 1.14. Hence, Mat. 18.10. In particular,
1. They are Stewards to provide for them in their need, 1 Kings 19.5, &c.
2. As Physicians to cure their maladies, John 5.4.
3. As Nurses to bear up and keep them from hurt, Ps. 91.11, 12.
4. As Guides to direct and keep them from wandrings, Gen. 24.7. and 32.1.
5. As souldiers to guard them, Psal. 34.7. 2 Kings 6.17. and to destroy their enemies, 2 Kings 19.35.
6. Rescuers and deliverers to pull them out of dangers, Acts 5.19. and 12.7, &c. Dan. 6, 22. In reference to our soules in this life:
1. They are as Prophets or Teachets to instruct them, Dan. 8.16, 17. and 9.22. Luke 1.15, 34, 35. Act. 1.11.
2. They are Comforters to them in their feares and perplexities, Gen. 21.17. Isa. 6.6, 7.
3. Coadjutors to stand with them against Satan, Zach. 3.1, 2. Judg. 9.
4. Fellow-members to rejoyce with them at the Conversion of sinners, Luke 15.10
5. Tutors to punish them for their offences, that they may be brought to repentance, 2 Sam. 24.16. In the life to come they are,
1. Watchers, to carry their soules at the separation of them from their bodies into Heaven, Luke 16.22.
2. As Keepers at the last day to gather all the Elect together, Matth. 24.31.
3. Fanners or Fishers to separate the evil from the good, Matth. 13.49.
4. Companions in Heaven to joyne with them in praising God, Rev. 7.9, 10, 11.
Dr. Gouge on Heb.
Quest. Why doth God use the Ministery of the Angels about us?
Answ. Not for any necessity, for he can do it of himself without them; but to declare his abundant love to, and care of us in providing for our comfort, and making farre more excellent creatures then our selves our Keepers.
Quest. Why are the Angels such tender Keepers of Gods children?
Answ. First, because Christ our Head (who is their Lord and Head also) hath reconciled things in Heaven and Earth, Col. 1.20. viz. Angels and men▪ so that whereas they hate us for our sinnes, now they tender us as hi… members.
2. They love us as Nurses their children, now that they see that God loves us so dearly, as to give his own and only Son to death for us.
Thirdly, because he hath given them charge and commandment so to do, Ps. 91.11.
Quest. What comfort doth the consideration hereof bring to Gods children?
Answ. First, When we see our own weaknesse and impotency on the one hand, and the multitude, power and policy of the enemies on the other. When we see a whole Army of sins besieging us, and a whole Legion of dangers ready to oppresse us, we may be comforted when we consider, that not only Gods Protection, like a wall of fire is round about us, but that he hath also set his Angels to pitch their tents about us, so that there are more with us then against us, and the blessed Angels are stronger then the powers that are against us: and when we consider that God hath not only charged one or two Angels with us, but the whole blessed company of them, to defend and protect us.
Secondly, when we neglect the Watch over our selves, through sleep of soul or body, what a comfort is it that the Angels watch over our safety? as Mat. 2.13. when Joseph slept, dreaming of no danger from Herod, the Angel admonisheth him in a dream, and tells him how to escape.
Thirdly, when we see great difficulties between us and our desires, what comfort is it that we have Gods Angels ready to do it to our hands? as Mar 16.3. They can rowle away all stones, and make our way smooth for us to all good duties.
Fourthly, when Satan begins to insult, and makes as if he would t…ample upon us, what comfort is it that we have so strong a guard about us, one Angel being able to shut the mouth of this toaring Lion, as he did those in Daniel. Dr. …ailor.
Fifthly, that their care and attendance on us will be perpetual, because their love to us is founded on their love to Christ our Head, whose Members and Spouse we are.
Ob. But Gods children oft fall into inconveniencies, how then are they attended by the Angels?
Answ. First, they are preserved by the Angels from many inconveniences that they know not of: as we have devils about us continually, so certainly there is a conflict between the good Angels, and them about us continually.
Secondly, if at any time we fall into inconveniences, its because we are out of our way, and then they have no charge over us. For Ps. 91.11.
Thirdly, if we suffer in the custody of Angels any inconvenience, it is that we may be tried by it, exercised and made better by it: For if they keep us not from ill▪ they keep us in ill, and deliver us out of it at length: so that there is nothing in the world that befalls Gods children, but they are gainers by it at last, whatsoever it is, Rom. 8.28.
Quest. What may this Guardianship of the Angels teach us?
Answ. First, Not to grieve these good spirits: Its wondrous humility in them that they will stoop to be our servants that are weaker, and baser then they: and its wonderful patience that they will continue to guard us, though we grieve them by our sinnes: this consideration would keep us from secret sinnes where no eye of man sees us, but God and our consciences, and the blessed Angels see us, and grieve when we fall into sinne.
Secondly, to blesse God that hath thus honoured us, not only by taking our nature on him, but giving us his own guard of Angels to attend us: which shews that in Christ we are advanced above the Angels: indeed they stand, and are confirmed by Christ, hence called the Elect Angels, 1 Tim. 5.21. but they are not the Spouse of Christ as we are; he hath honoured our nature more then the Angelical.
Quest. But what need we the guard of Angels, since God can guard us without them?
Answ. It is not by reason of any defect in God to supply his want of power, but further to enlarge and demonstrate his goodnesse: God could do it of himself, but having ordained such ranks of creatures, he makes all to serve for his own ends.
Quest. What may we learn further from hence?
Answ. First, to take an holy State upon us, and to think our selves too good to abase our selves to sin, to be slaves to men, seeing we have Angels to attend upon us; we are Kings, and have a mighty guard, therefore we should carry our selves answerable.
Secondly, despise not the meanest Christian, seeing Angels despise not to attend upon them.
Quest, What excellencies are attributed to the Angels in Scripture?
Answ. They are said to be excellent for holinesse, Mar. 8.38. excellent for beauty, Acts 6.15. excellent for strength, Psal. 103.20. excellent for wisdom, 2 Sam. 14.17. excellent for swiftnesse. Hence Isaiah 6.2.
Quest. Wherein should we imitate the Angels?
Answ. First, rejoyce at the Conversion of sinners as they do, Luke 15.
Secondly, Reverence the Majesty of God as they do, by covering their faces, Isa. 6.2, 25.
Thirdly, Stand ready prest to execute the Will of the Lord as they do, Psal. 103.20, 21.
Fourthly, execute it for manner as they do, viz. with chearfulnesse, sincerity, and without wearisomness.
Quest. What further comfort may the Nature and Offices of the Angels afford us?
Ans. First, In regard of their readinesse they stand before the face of God, ready to take a Commission from him to execute vengeance on the enemies of the Church, or to do service for the heires of grace.
Secondly, here is comfort when we are solitary: when Jacob was alone, the blessed Angels were with him.
Thirdly, in respect of our weaknesse: the Angels are Nurses to uphold and keep us from dangers.
Fourthly, in respect of contempt: If the world contemn us, yet God honours us in giving us such servants.
Fifthly, in respect of evil spirits, though they maligne us, yet the good Angels love us, and are for us.
Quest. How are the Angels imployed?
Answ. First, in respect of God they stand before him to execute his Will, Psal. 103.20, 21: and to praise him, Isa. 6.3.
Secondly, In respect of man they are employed.
1. By way of punishment, and that
1. To blinde them that they cannot see, Gen. 19.11.
2. To stop them that they cannot go, Num. 22.26.
3. To slay them that they cannot live, 2 King. 19.15. Acts 12.23.
2. In mercy to the godlie, and that
1. To defend them from dangers, Ps. 34.8.
2. To comfort them in troubles, Luke 22.23.
3. To encourage them in duties, 2 King. 1.15.
4. To reveal to them hidden mysteries, Dan. 9.22, 23, 24.
5. To carry their soules to heaven, Luke 16.22.
Quest. How else doth God use the Ministery of Angels?
Answ. First, in the swaying of the Kingdomes of the world, and wherein we live: For Eph. 3.10. they are called Principalities and Powers, because God gives them a preheminence under him, and a power of ordering th…se inferiour things; As the devils are called, Powers of darknesse, Eph. 6.12. because the wickednesse of the world doth set them up as Kings and Princes: So Dan. 10.13. the Angels are called Great Princes. They are made to he above Kings and earthly Powers, as God is above them, Eccl. 5.8. Marvel not at the oppression in a Province; for there is an high one above the High on earth: and there is the Father, Son, and Spirit, higher then both. A created Angel led the Israelites into Canaan, as may be gathered by comparing the 20. and 31. Chapters of Exodus together.
Secondly, they are Gods Warriours and Ministers of his manifold decrees. Hence they are often called Chariots, 2 Kings 2.11. and 6.17. Hab. 3.8. Ps. 68.17.
Thirdly, they are Spirits of Heaven, Mat. 24.36. Gal. 1.8. resembling their Creator as children do their father: Hence they are called, Sons of God, Job 1.6. and 38.7. both in regard of their substance, which is incorporeal: and in regard of their excellent properties, life, and immottality, blessednesse and glory, a part whereof is their just Lordship, and Command over the inferiour Creatures. For as they stand before the Lord, who sends them out at his pleasure to serve his Providence, so they have no small stroak in ordering and managing natural and civil affaires. Hence Ezek. 1.6, 7. they have faces to look every way, when as Gods Watchmen, they stand Sentinel in Heavens Turret: their feet are like Calves feet, round, and ready to go either forward or backward with greatest facility. For as they see every way, so they are ready to go every way, for dispensing Gods benefits, or executing his chastisements on the Elect, and his vengeance on reprobates. Let us labour to obey God as the Angels do; else we may be Angels for gifts, and yet go to Hell.
Angels wait for Gods commands, and are ready to run on his errand, Mat. 18.10. Dan. 7.10. Jacob saw them at Bethel, ascending to contemplate and praise God, and to minister to him; and descending to execute Gods Will upon men for mercy or judgement?
Quest. What other employment have they?
Answ. They are eye-witnesses of what is done in the Church of God, 1 Cor. 11.10. The woman ought to have power on her head, because of the Angels. This was shadowed out in the old Church? Exod. 36.8. the Curtaines were wrought with Cherubims, to signifie that about us, who are the true Tabernacle, and Church of God, there are troops of Angels. Hence 1 Timothy 5.21.
Quest. How manifold is the knowledge of the Angels?
Answ. Its fourfold.
1. Natural, whereby they know the Works of Creation, and the invisible things of God in it, all the truth in which they were created.
2. Supernatural, which is such a sight of God, whereby they are confirmed in their estate, for there was in them some further apprehension of God, than in them that fell. Now they could not have it, unlesse they had received it.
Thirdly, a knowledge of Revelation, Dan. 7.16, &c.
Fourthly, a knowledge that they get by observing things that come to passe, both spiritual and natural; For beholding the graces of the Spirit, and working of them, they gather an habitual knowledge, whereby they can discern, both the Worker of them, and persons in whom they are wrought effectually: So, observing the course of things casual, they can probably foretel things which in part are casual.
Now the knowledge which the Apostle speaks of, that they have acquired, Eph. 3.10. is this knowledge of experience, beholding that which the Gospel wrought in the Church, they did more fully see the work of Redemption. For,
1. They did see accomplished before their eyes things which they had known in some sort; as we know things absent unaccomplished.
2. They did thus grow to a more full and confirmed enlightening, in the wise work of our Redemption.
3. And, which is the principal, they did thus come to a more full knowledge, and acknowledgment of the deep riches of the wisdome of God, the fountain of the former. For though the Angels had alwayes a blessed knowledge of God; yet not a perfect, either in regard of themselves seeing, or of God seen: they did not see him totaliter, so as there was no further thing in him to be seen; nor yet with such a sight in regard of themselves; so perfect, that no further light could be lent to it then it had.
Baines on the Eph.