The Deputation of Angels, Text (2 of 3)

The Deputation of Angels · Text (2 of 3)

p. 73And writing on the Text,Beza in Act. 12.15. p. 332.Acts 12:15 he ſaith thus, They who think the Speakers of this (it is his Angel) to be common and ordinary fellows, repeating meerly the Vulgar Opinion; I am affraid leaſt with the Sadduces they ſhould doubt, If there be any Angel or Spirit.

Zanchy, who flouriſhed 1580.H. Zanchius Tom 3. is firm and zealous for us: Cuique electo p. 74ordinarè certum propriumque Angelum, qui perpetuus eſt ejus Cuſtos & Comes, jam indea Nativitate uſque ad finem Vitae, a Deo Aſſignari; Extra Ordinem vero plures etiam nonnunquam ad eum pro Dei beneplacito, Majoris conſolationis cauſâ, mitti; vero ſimile eſt, & cum ſacris literis conſentaneum, &c. Ʋniverſa Eccleſia ſemper ſic ſenſit. It is moſt like to be true, for it agreeth with the Scripture, and the whole Church hath in all Ages held it, that God doth allow every ſingle Elect ordinarily a particular Angel to be his Keeper and Companion from his Birth to his Buriall, from the Womb to the Tomb; And in extraordinary caſes, he ſends many Angels to his help, and for his richer Conſolation as ſeemeth good unto him.

Buchan, Gu. Bucan. Loc. Com. De Angelis Loc. 6. p. 70.who wrote about the year of our Lord God 1600. is expreſly alſo for it: Ordinarie cuique electo certum quendam bonum Angelum a Deo Deſtinatum eſſe ad cuſtodiam colligi poteſt ex Verbis Chriſti, Mat. 18.10. Item ex Act. 12.15. It may be gathered from the Scripture, that every Elect p. 75perſon hath ſome one good Angel aſſigned of God for his Preſervation.

To theſe Teſtimonies let me add ſome of our latter Writers,Salkelds 44. Chap. of Angels. Salkeld in his 44. Chapter of Angels, is very cleer for his Guardian-angel.

Mr. Joſiah Shute (a late Eminent Preacher in London) writes thus:Ioſiah Shute his Hagar. p. 105. It cannot be denyed, but moſt of the Greek Fathers and many of the Lattine, and all the School-men; yea, ſome of the late Writers, and thoſe of the Proteſtant Party, have been for the Guardian-angel.

Mr. Fuller thus,Fuller of Chriſts Temptations p. 100. THEIR ANGELS, that is Angels deputed to their Protection: The Pages and Servants which wait on the young Children of great Perſons, are commonly called the Childrens Servants, although their Parents hired them, and give them Meat, Drink, and Wages: Angels are Gods Angels as he employes them; OUR Angels as employed about us.

p. 76Mr.Mr. Lawrence, of our Communion & War with Angels. p. 20. Mr. Greenhill on Ezek. 9. p. 207.Ezek 9 Lawrence (writing of Angels) declares for it, ſaying, Tis probable that every Elect hath his proper and peculiar Angel.

Reverend Greenhill on Ezekiel, ſuppoſes that ſeverall Angels have the care of Cities, Kingdomes, and Communities committed to them; for which he urgeth Dan 10. and Clemens Alexandrinus. And why not by the ſame reaſon each Beleever his Angel?

Mr.Mr. Leighs Body of Divinity in 4to. lib. 3. Cap. 7. p. 98. Leigh therfore (though he doubts this Doctrine) may well Lace his Margent with this confeſſion: Ʋnde concludunt tum Patres, tum Scholaſtici, ſingulis pueris atque adultis etiam certos Angelos eſſe attributos: From whence the Fathers and Schoolmen do conclude that both Children and men have particular Angels aſſigned them.

Thus I have given you a Taſte of ancient and modern Writers (untainted with Popery) who have eminently appeared for the particular Deputation of Angels: So that you ſee it is no Novel Opinion, or that which hath been only embraced by the Sea of Rome.

p. 77And now having written thus much to free this Perſwaſion from ever being clogg'd with the Imputation of Novelty;A Digreſſion of Novelty in opinions. I ſhall by way of Digreſſion ſay ſomwhat of Novelty in Opinions before I quit this Head.

One hath layd down theſe Diſtinctions of Novelty in Doctrine.Mr. Samael Bolton of Errors.

1. Things may be ſayd to be new in reſpect of Gods Preſcription, or of mans Invention, Mat. 15.9.

2. In reſpect of Inſtitution or Reſtitution, John 13.34.

3. In reſpect of Creation or Apparition; So the Moon may be new, though long ſince created.

4. In reſpect of Being or Obſervation: And ſo eſpecially this Doctrine of Angels may happly appear new to the vulgar Reader.

Now from theſe Diſtinctions I ſhal raiſe two Concluſions.

1.Daille of the Fathers. p. 188. That all Doctrines coyned and invented by men, unwritten in the Scriptures, and unmentioned by the ancient Fathers, muſt needs be reputed no better then Errors. That which the ancient Fathers do not touch, p. 78conclude it was never preached by Chriſt or his Apoſtles: For what probability is there that thoſe holy Doctors of former Ages, from whoſe hands Chriſtianity hath been derived down to us, ſhould be ignorant of any of thoſe things which had been revealed, and concern our Salvation? Take heed therfore of Curioſity and inordinate deſires of Novelty in Religion;Brinſley's Sermon on 2 Tim. 3.2. 1 Cor. 4.6.2 Tim 3:21 Cor 4:6 that curſed Athenian humour and temper, of loving to hear and tell ſome new thing. Let us think and ſpeak ſoberly, and not be wiſe above that which is written. He that quits the Bible and goeth after unwritten Revelations, forſakes the Sun to follow an Ignis Fatuus that will lead him into Bogs of Error; Or at leaſt deſpiſing the Fire on Gods Altar, he lyeth warming his hands at the Glo-worm of ſome vain Opinion, that rends not unto Edification or Conſolation. New-lights many times prove to be old Errors; But remember Pauls Reſolution; Though an Angel from Heaven ſhould preach any other Doctrine then that which you have received, let him be accurſed.

p. 792. That Doctrines which are new, not in themſelves, but as to Reſtitution, Apparition, or Obſervation, are very pretious Truths, that muſt be embraced by the Church of God: And ſuch is the Doctrine of Angellicall Deputation; For it is not new in it ſelf, the Scripture and ancient Fathers have it: But this Orient Pearl hath lien hid in the Rubbiſh of Roman Errors; Let not any ſay they never heard or obſerved it before; for the brighteſt Starrs of Divine Truth do oft diſ-appear: But bleſs God, this Pearl was not utterly loſt, Note. this Star not quite extinguiſhed. Auſtins Doctrine of converſion meerly of Grace, and without preparations in the Creatures: Luthers Doctrine of Juſtification only by Faith; Calvins Doctrine of Predeſtination only of Grace and not of Faith, or fore-ſeen Works: Theſe Truths ſeemed new when deliverd by them; But we know the Scriptures are full of them, and they are now generally received; except by a few Turbulent Spirits, that reſolve to walk contrary to all men: p. 80And hold Arminius by one hand and Socinus by the other. Well, towards the end of the World, theſe Truths ſhall grow more Refulgent; God will vindicate and diſcover many things that as yet do ſeem dark in the Scriptures; The way of Diſcipline ſhall grow plain, and many Propheſies ſhal not be fully underſtood till unveyl'd by fulfilling. In a word, where the Fathers have ſeen a little, the Future Ages like a Dwarf upon a Giants ſhoulders ſhall ſee further; Not into new Truth, but into a clearer and more ample and bright Diſcovery of things that have been held & known; For,Hab. 2.14. Iſa. 30.26.Hab 2:14Isa 30:26 Knowledge ſhall cover the Earth as waters the Sea. The Light of the Moon ſhall be as the Light of the Sun; and the Light of the Sun of one day, as the Light of the Sun of many daies.

And ſo much of the Proof and Confirmation of the Point by Dim Light of Nature, cleer beams of Scripture, and joynt Harmony of many ancient and modern Writers, never charged with Popery.

p. 81But that this Point may yet further be enlarged; The Offices of the Angel-guardian hinted, and no ſcruple remain unobſerved and unanſwered. There are twelve Queſtions or Objections to be reſolved and untyed, that are (or may be) raiſed againſt this Point, of Angellicall Deputation.

Firſt, Some may ask, Queſt. 1 is not God able to defend his Church, what need then of Tutelar Angels? He is infinit in Power and Wiſdom; By his Immenſity and Ubiquity, he filleth Heaven and Earth with his Preſence; what neceſſity is there that Angels ſhould guard his Church?

Rivius hath Learnedly and at large anſwered this Objection: Anſw. Rivius de Praeſidio Angelico. lib. pag. 709. ad 717.By the ſame reaſon (ſaith he) we may ſay, what need of Magiſtrates or Miniſters in State, or Church? What need of Food, Fire, Apparel, Sleep, or Phyſick for our Preſervation? What need of Armes to defend us in time of danger? Or in ſumme, of any Secondary means for our good? God is able to ſupport p. 82and help us without all theſe, &c.

We ſay therfore with Reverend Dr.Dr. Sibbs Light from Heaven 1. Treat. p. 107. Sibbs; It is true, the Creatures that God hath ordained in their ſeverall Ranks, are not for any Defect in God, or to ſupply his want of power; But further to enlarge and demonſtrate his Goodneſs: He is Lord of Hoſts, therfore he will have Hoſts of Creatures one under another, and all ſerviceable to his end; His end is to bring a company to Salvation; To a ſupernaturall end, to happineſs in Heaven; And he being Lord of all, maketh all Creatures to ſerve for that end: He could do it of himſelf, but he uſeth the Creatures for the manifeſtation of his power and of his goodneſs: He could I ſay do all by himſelf; He could have been content with his own Happineſs, and never have made a World, but he made the World to declare his Attributes to the Creatures: So he will have Angels to attend us, though he watch over us by his own Providence. This takes not away from his care; But hereby he p. 83declares and conveys his care and love to us. Quanquam enim per ſe ipſe omnia Poteſt Deus; Rivius lib. de Praeſid. Angelico. p. 709.Nec propter praeſtantiſſimam Virtutem atque infinitam Potentiam, ullo prorſus ad agendum inſtrumento indiget, tamen it a Sanctiſſimae ejus voluntati viſum eſt (cujus ſunt rationes, See Bullengeri Decad. 4. Serm. 9. fol. 250.Conſiliaque occulta nobis) uti ad miniſterium ſuum, atque ad efficienda ea quae ipſe vult, rebus a ſe conditis uteretur, ſaith Rivius on this occaſion. Though God is able to do all things by himſelf, being infinite in power and needeth not the help of inſtruments,See Nierembergii. Theopolit. part. 1. lib. 2. cap. 28. yet it ſeemeth good unto him (his Reaſons and Counſels being unſearchable and paſt finding out) to call unto his Service for the accompliſhment of his great and holy ends, the feeble Creatures that himſelf hath made out of nothing. He will thus far honour the Works of his hands; Magnifie his own power in doing great things by weak and unlikely means, and teach us not to diſdain the ſervice and help of his meaneſt Creatures.

p. 84For a Gyant to raiſe up a weight of Lead with his hand is no marvellous nor ſtrange thing: Note. But for a man to faſten an haire to the Lead, and by that haire to lift up the weight, would be no leſſe then a miracle? 'Twas nothing for God mediately to make the World with a few words:2 Reg. 19.35.2 Kgs 19:35 'Twas wonderfull for God immediately by one Angel in a night to ſlay an hundred fourſcore and five thouſand Aſſyrians in defence of Hezekiah: At this we very much marvell, becauſe he uſed the Miniſtry of a creature; he took up the weight of Lead by a very ſmall hair.

Iohn 14.12.John 14.12 opened.John 14:12 You read, that our Saviour having done many wonderfull Miracles, ſaith, that his Diſciples ſhould yet be enabled to do Greater things. Some may ſay, can there be greater things then to cure the Blind, raiſe the Dead, and caſt out Devils? All this and much more was done by Chriſt; Yet greater things (ſaith Chriſt) ſhall be done by his Diſciples after his Aſcention.

p. 851. Calvin ſaith, hee ſpake of the wonderfull converſion of ſoules upon the effuſion of the Spirit;Calvin in Joan. 14.12.John 14:12 which is probable, becauſe he adds, I goe to the Father, viz. to ſend the Spirit unto you: Chriſt never converted five thouſand ſoules at a Sermon (as the Apoſtles did) though he could have done it.

2. Chryſ. ſaith thus,Chryſoſt. apud Grotium. Maximum ſignum Gloriae Chriſti, quod per abſentem fierent quae praeſens non effecerat, That Chriſt being abſent, ſhould work ſo powerfully by weak men; This it was that ſo much advanced the glory of Chriſt.Revel. 6.2Rev 6:2 They were the white Horſes on w^ch the Lamb rode about the world, conquering, and to conquer. And thus you have ſeen why the Omnipotent uſeth the Miniſtry of Angels and other creatures, to accompliſh his own bleſſed and glorious ends.

Secondly, Queſt. 2 ſome doe ask why we ſo much plead for one Particular, Tutelar Angel, when ſo many Angels doe attend Gods Elect, which by all is believed; Yea each particular Elect as by ſome is affirmed, becauſe it is ſaid p. 84duplicate page p. 85duplicate page p. 86I wil give my Angels charge concerning thee: Pſal. 91.11. Gen. 32.1 2 King. 6.17.Ps 91:11Gen 32:12 Kgs 6:17One Iacob met an Hoſt; And the mountain was full of Horſes and Chariots about Eliſha. I anſwer.

This Objection hath been toucht at already: Anſw. Zanchy and Bucan declare that this Doctrine excludes not the extraordinary attendance of many Angels, if need require: But is it probable that each ſingle Believer hath alwayes an whole troop of Angels about him, that yeeld moſt particular attendance, I mean that ſo attend on him, as not to attend on another, nor ever to with-draw from him? If ſo, yet notwithſtanding it is a comfort,Luk. 2.13.Luke 2:13 that one is eminently placed as the Captain of the reſt, to diſpoſe, conduct, lead, and trayn them about us in Martiall and moſt exquiſite order, the better to oppoſe evill ſpirits that ſhall aſſault us.

I ſhall lay downe ſeven particulars that may give light to this Diſcourſe, and make it probable that many Angels doe not ordinarily attend and inviron one Believer: And that in caſe they do, yet ONE of them may moſt p. 87eſpecially heed and mind us, place and lead forth the reſt for our preſervation.

1. The nature of Angels is ſuch, that although they be Spirits, yet they are not, cannot be Omnipreſent, or in more places then one at once:Aquinas. Sic ſunt in uno Loco ut non ſint in Alio, ſay the Schoolmen: They are undoubtedly ſo in one place, as not to be in another.**Angeli ſunt in loco, non circumſrciptive, quia non commenſurantur loco; ſed definitive, &c. Non ſunt ubi que Bucan. loc. com. de Ang. loc. 6. ſect. 17. That the Angels are in a place is certain out of Scripture; They are ſaid ſometimes to be in Heaven, and ſometimes to be on Earth: Gabriel was ſent into a City of Galilee, Luke 1.26. Therefore when Gabriel was in Nazareth, he could not be ſaid to be in Ieruſalem, or any other City. Angels are not in a place as bodies by circumſcription, or contiguity; For a Legion was in one man, yet they are ſo here, that they are not there; The ſame Angels cannot be in many places at once, their motion indeed is very ſpeedy and quick, and therefore they are pictured with wings, but their motion cannot be in an inſtant: And doth not this make againſt the p. 88ordinary attendance of many Troops of Angels (much more of all the Angels) upon one ſingle Perſon? ſeeing all Believers are promiſed the preſence of Angels; And if ſo many (or all) be preſent with one, what ſhall become of the reſt? ſhall one have many Troops, and another farre diſtant have none? Gods elect are not all in a cluſter, but ſcattered and diſperſed o're the world; One in a Family, two in a Tribe, in all Nations God hath ſome that feare and ſerve him.

2. Let us conſider (not only the diſtance, but) the great number of Believers: In the dayes of Iezabel, when the Church was under ſore perſecution, there were ſeven thouſand left that had not bowed the knee to Baal; 1 Reg. 19.18.1 Kgs 19:18How great then is the number of Believers ſince the Goſpel, when the ſilken Drag-net is ſayd to draw in five thouſand at a draught?Act… 4.4.Acts 4:4 And the number of thoſe that ſhall rejoyce at Antichriſts ruine is ſaid to be an hundred forty and four thouſand?Apoc. 14.3. & 11.15Rev 14:3Rev 11:15 In a word, it is ſaid that all Nations ſhall become the Kingdomes of our Lord p. 89and his Chriſt. From all which wee gather, that though few be ſaved, in reſpect of that vaſt throng and innumerable ſpawn of the wicked that crowd into Hell, yet the quantity of Believers is in it ſelf very conſiderable and glorious:Heb. 11.12, 13.Heb 11:12Heb 11:13 Such as dye in the faith are as the ſtars of the skie in multitude, and as the ſand which is by the Sea-ſhoar innumerable; Such a Progeny had Abraham, Heb. 11. Well, the number of Believers on earth being ſo conſiderable as to paſſe all the known rules of Arithmatick to tell them; From hence let us gather, whether it bear a face of probability that each one of ſo great a company have many troops of Angels ſtill to attend him?

3. Add to this, the number of Reprobate and falne Angels, that kept not their ſtation, whereby the ſociety of Angels is much maimed & leſsned. You read that in one man there was a legion of Devils, Luk. 8:30.Vegetius de Re Milit. lib. 2. cap. 6. Iſidore ſaith, a legion among the Romans was ſix thouſand armed Souldiers; but Vegetius ſaith, 6100. Footmen, and 726 p. 90Horſ-men: but here a certain number I ſuppoſe, is put for an uncertain; A legion of Devils in him, that is, very many: Our Saviour compares them to the Fowls of the Ayre in the parable of the Sower;Luke 8.5.Luke 8:5 To ſhew us there be not ſo many birds flying in the Aire, (although ſometimes the Ayr will be black with them) as wicked ſpirits in the world: Satan is the Prince of the Ayre, and Beelzebub the chief of Devils, to ſhew us the greatneſſe of his Train, and multitude of his Subjects. Beelzebub ſignifies the Lord of Flies, there be not ſo many Flies in the world as there be Devils.

If then the number of faln Angels be ſo great, it muſt needs follow, that the ſociety of Angels is very much broken and maimed, and therefore it is not probable that whole troops are allotted to each particular Believer.

4. One is often mentioned in Scripture to attend one man; There are threeſcore Places, where mention is made of one Angel having to doe with one Believer (too many here to be inſerted) ſometimes named, as Michael, p. 91and Gabriel: Dan. 10.13. Luke 1.19Dan 10:13Luke 1:19On the other ſide it is a rare thing, and in very extraordinary caſes that many Angels are recorded to be about one man, or one woman; ſhall not theſe things be carefully heeded? When the Lord ſaith, One Angel, ſhall we ſay many Angels? Let us acquieſce in his word, and take heed of adding to, or diminiſhing from it.

5. One Angel ſufficeth for ordinary Attendance; The body is actedby One ſoule which gives it a Naturall life; The ſoule of a Believer by one ſpirit which gives it a Divine life: And one Angel will ſuffice to guard and defend one man.2 King. 192 Kgs 19 What havock did one Angel make in defence of Hezekiah? 'Twas one Angel that ſhut the Lions mouths, inſomuch that they touched not Daniel. Dan. 6.22 & 3.…5.Dan 6:22Dan 3:5One Angel hindred the violence of the flames, that they could not hurt the three Children: And one Angel ſmote off the Chains of Peter, and made the priſon doors and iron gates to open unto him.

One Angel ſaith a Writer,**Maſter Leighs body of Divinity in 4to. lib. 3. cap. 7. p. 90. is able p. 92to deſtroy all the Men, Beaſts, Birds and Fiſhes, and all the Creatures that be in the world, by overturning the whole courſe of Nature, if God ſhould permit it: One Angel is able to drown the Earth again, and cauſe the waters to over-flow it; To pull the Sun, Moon, and Stars out of their places, and make all a Chaos: Angels can move and ſtir the earth;Mat. 28.2.Matt 28:2 Nay one Angel did it, Mat: 28.2. And behold there was a great Earth-quake, For the Angell of the Lord deſcended from heaven.

Laſtly, the very voyce of an Arch-Angel is ſo loud and terribie, that at laſt it ſhall awaken all that are dead,1 Theſ. 4.16. Pſal. 103.20.1 Thess 4:16Ps 103:20 1 Theſ. 4.16. Thus you ſee an Angel is of incredible power; The Angells ſaith the Pſalmiſt, do excell in ſtrength. I might ſay as much of their admirable wiſdome, Agility, and Fidelity: But I refer you to thoſe that write of the Nature of Angels,See Aquinas, Zanchy, and Saikeld. and to the ſubtle and large Tracts of the Schoolmen thereupon. By this time you ſee, that one Angel ſufficeth for our daily and ordinary attendance, ſeeing one Angel p. 93hath done, and can do ſuch great and wonderfull things.

6. Yet further to ſhew,Principio ſerviunt ipſi Deo, eundem concelebrant laudibus ſempiternis, Adorantes, Glorificantes, & exultantes in Ipſo. Bullingeri decad 4. Ser. 9. fol. 251. that multitudes of Angels do not in an ordinary courſe attend one Believer; It is evident from the Scripture, That the mayn Hoſt, or chiefe body of the Angels are in Heaven above, waiting before the Throne, yeelding perſonal attendance on their Head and our Husband Chriſt Jeſus, continually lauding and prayſing God; skreening their faces with their wings, and crying Holy, Holy, Holy, ſtanding ready preſt to execute his Will; Therefore there is in**Mat. 22.30. 2 Theſ. 1.7.Matt 22:302 Thess 1:7 Scripture ſo frequent mention of the Angels of Heaven: Heaven is the Palace and Throne of God, Angels are his guards; Elect Angels do continue there, unleſſe they be ſent and otherwiſe employed by God to execute his will upon Earth, or in the Aire, or in the deep waters. Iacob in a viſion ſaw a Ladder reaching up to Heaven, and Angels continually aſcending and deſcending on it: That Heaven is a PLACE we need not doubt, for the body of Chriſt p. 94is there; And that the main hoſt and corporation of Angels in that place wil evidently appear from the ſacred Text,Dan. 7.10Dan 7:10 Dan. 7.10. The Ancient of days did ſit, his throne was like the fiery flame; A fiery ſtream iſſued and came forth from before him; Thouſand, thouſands miniſtred unto him, and ten thouſand times ten thouſand ſtood before him. It ſeems that Daniel in a Viſion ſaw the glory of God in Heaven, and his full Court of Angels about his Throne. The like expreſſions are in Rev. 5.11. And I beheld and heard the voyce of many Angels round about the Throne, &c. Now if the main knot and corporation of Angels be in Heaven, then it is not probable that each Believer ſhould have Troops upon earth; Or that all the bleſſed Angels watch over every Believer, as ſome have affirmed.

7.Rev. 12.7 opened.Rev 12:7 And laſtly, let us grant that many Angels attend each particular Saint; Yet it would not be a vain or fruitleſſe Doctrin, that one of them is chiefly intruſted with his preſervation, to place, conduct, and excite the p. 95reſt as need ſhall require; for 'tis certain the good Angels fight with the evill in our behalf. Rev. 12.7.Aug. Hom. 9. in Apoc. Michael and his Angels fought againſt the Dragon and his angels.

1. Auſtin, Tertullian, Tertul. de carne Chriſti.and our Modern Writers do by Michael underſtand Chriſt Jeſus, the head of all Principalities and Powers, The Noble Captaine of our ſalvation.

2.Brightman and Trap on Rev. 12.7.Rev 12:7 Some by Michael and his Angels underſtand Conſtantine and his Armies, as learned Brightman and others.

3. Others affirm that Michael is to be taken literally; For Michael the Arch-Angel being commanded of the reſt in the viſion, which is not altogether improbable.

1. Becauſe Michael is ſtiled an Arch-Angel in the ninth verſe of St. Iudes Epiſtle.

2. 'Tis likely an Angel there was called an Arch-Angel, as being Captain in the skirmiſh with Satan: So ſaith Baſil very fully to our purpoſe;Baſil. adverſ. Eunemium, lib. 3. A celeſtial ſpirit is called an Arch-Angell, when being accompanied with p. 96many other Angels in the work of the Lord: he is guide and leader to the reſt; for inter Angelos eſt Ordo; among the Angels (and eſpecially in Battail) there is very great Order.

3. Mark well the oppoſition; Michael and his Angels againſt the Dragon and his Angels: Who queſtions but the DRAGON is Beelzebub, the chief, the Prince of Devills? Therefore alſo by MICHAEL may be meant an Arch-Angel; ſince it is plain there are Degrees among the bleſſed Spirits: And if there be Order in Hell, ſure there is no confuſion in Heaven.

I might mention other places where an Angel in chief is mentioned,Joſh. 5.14Josh 5:14 and other good Angels with him; ſee only two places, Joſh. 5.14, 15. There you ſee the Captain of the Lords Hoſt appeared and ſpake to Ioſhuah. Gods hoſt of Angels that came to the relief of Ioſhua, had over them a Commander or Chieftain, and this Captain appeared and ſpake to Ioſhua. See alſo Luke 2.Luk. 2.9.13.Luke 2:9Luke 2:13 at the ninth verſe, The Angel of the Lord appeared unto the Shepheards, p. 97to convey unto them the news of a Saviour: Now obſerve, when the meſſage of this chiefe Angel or Ambaſſadour was ended, Then ſuddenly there was with the Angel a multitude of the heavenly hoſt prayſing God, and ſinging, ver. 13. One Angel ſang of Chriſt as the chief Muſitian, and a full Quire bore the burden of the Song, Glory to God in the higheſt, on earth peace, and good will towards men. Luk. 2.16.Luke 2:16It is ſaid that the Angels went into Heaven; that is, the Quire of them went, but 'tis likely the firſt Angel continued with one of the Shepheards, to conduct them to the place where the babe lay.

So then, if a man have many Angels about him, 'tis a comfort that one (who is chiefe) will be his guardian to guide, counſell, and order the Angels that are ſent, and to abide with him when the reſt are disbanded, and depart; Perhaps for ſome other expedition, as Providence ſhall diſpoſe; or elſe to joyne in the Halelujahs above.

I have been the larger in anſwering p. 98the ſecond doubt, becauſe I find that it is generally urged againſt our point by the Antagoniſts thereof; A believer hath many Angels, hath all the Angels; what need we confine his ſafety to One?

Thirdly, Queſt. 3 Some may aske, is not this a Popiſh and Antichriſtian point, maintained chiefly by Jeſuites and Papiſts, and rejected by Proteſtants and ſober men?

To this we anſwer. Anſw. 1. There are many points in Divinity wherein the Romaniſts and wee doe agree: We do not think the worſe of Foundationall Truths, if we find them owned by the Pſeudocatholick Church: But rather we ſay, theſe things are ſo, Our enemies themſelves being Iudges: They have the main body of truth, ſo are called Chriſtians, only the pearl of divine Truth is hid in the endleſſe rubbiſh of humane Traditions: But whilſt we have their Blindneſſe, Idolatry, and Superſtition, let's not extend our hatred to their perſons (but pitty and pray for them) nor to the many Truths which they hold, but cleave to them ſtill.

p. 99A man will not reject a piece of Gold though he find it on the Dunghill; and a Mother will love and take up her Child, although bemired in the ſtreet among rude Play-fellows: So it muſt be here, we muſt love and embrace the truth wherſoever we find it.

2. Tertullian, Clemens Alexandrinus, Origen (and many others) who approved of the Guardian Angel, and breathed in the three firſt Centuries after Chriſt, could not be infected with Popery, which then had no being: For as wee prove the Sabbath to be more then Ceremonial for being conſtituted & obſerved from the beginning,Gen. 2.2. Exod. 16.23, 30.Gen 2:2Exod 16:23Exod 16:30 before the promulgation of the Law: So it is as eaſie to prove that the Doctrine of Angels Deputation is not Popiſh, becauſe it was maintained by the Primitive Chriſtians, as the Text declares: And by the ancient Fathers that breathed in the pureſt ayre of Primitive times, before the plague of Popery brake out.

3. It hath been, and is maintained by divers of the Orthodox ſince the p. 100man of Sin was revealed: Not only Chryſoſtome, Auſtin, Bernard, and others of the Fathers, but alſo by our Modern Divines and ſoundeſt Proteſtants, as Bullinger, Peter Martyr, Beza, Zanchy, Bucan, and by divers yet living. Let not this Doctrine therfore any longer be clogged and branded with the odious name of Popery: 'Tis the ſubtlety of Satan thus to diſfigure the Truth, and beget a prejudice in us: For as Errors do often paſs when they have the trimming of Truth, ſo Truth is often pelted under the Vizard of errour.

Fourthly, Queſt. 4 ſome ask whether Adam in the ſtate of Innocency had an Angel Guardian?

Here are two queſtions. 1. Whether Adam had a tutelar Angel. 2. If ſo, whether before or after his Fall?

To the firſt, Anſwer. 1 I anſwer; All Gods elect have ſuch communion with Angels: And 'tis moſt likely that Adam was elected and ſaved,Dr. VVillet on Gen. 3.47.Gen 3:47 becauſe the Promiſe was made to him concerning Chriſt. Gen. 3.15. That the ſeed of p. 101the woman ſhould break the Serpents head. From whence Dr. Willet concludes, That though our firſt Parents finned, yet they were reſtored and ſaved by faith in the Meſſiah, and not utterly condemned**Danaeus ſuper Aug. de Haereſibus, cap. 25. p. 107., which was the uncharitable hereſie of the Tatianes, ſaith Danaeus: concerning whom thus he writes, Primus & eorum Maximus proprius error, Quod Adamum, Primum Hominem Damnatum; Nec exlapſu ſuo ſaluti reſtitutum putant & Docent.

But Irenaeus hath**Irenaeus, lib. 2. cap. 39. Reſutat Tacianos. well confuted them: And generally the Auncient Fathers doe think more charitably of our firſt Parents, hoping and affirming that they were ſaved, from three Texts of Scripture, viz.

Gen. 3.15. That there ſhould be enmity between the ſeed of the Woman and the Serpent.

Luke 3.38. Adam is called the Son of God; but ſurely after his fall and before faith, he was the child of Hell and Perdition.

2 Cor. 15.45. The firſt Adam was made a living Soul, the laſt Adam p. 102was made a quickning Spirit.

We may here mention (as an humane teſtimony) Wiſdom 10.1. Where it is ſayd,See Coll. of Doway's Annota…ions. Tom 2. p. 356. that Wiſdom preſerved the firſt Father of the World, and brought him out of his Offence. So then, if Adam was elected and ſaved as tis probable by that which hath been ſayd; what ſhould hinder but that he (as well as others) had a Guardian-Angell?

To the ſecond part of the Querie, Anſw. 2 whether this Angel did attend him in the time of Innocency in Paradice? Aquinas is for the Affirmative;Tho: Aquinas Parte prima Quſt. 113. p. 239. Homo, in ſtatu Innocentiae, non patiebatur aliquod Pereculum ab interiori quia interius erant Omnia Ordinata; Sed imminebat periculum ei ab exteriori, propter inſidias Daemonum (ut rei probavit eventus) & ideo indigebat cuſtodia Angelorum. Though there was an Harmony within yet there were Tempters without: Though he ſtood he might fall; He had a Poſſe non Mori, but never a Non poſſe Mori: His danger was great becauſe many Angels were become Apoſtates, and would p. 103ſtill be laying ſnares for him, as the iſſue declared. This Guardian-Angel peradventure counſelled him when he had ſinned to hide and cloath himſelf: Glorious was the Communion between man in Innocency and Elect Angels.

Fifthly, Queſt. 5 Some do ask whether Jeſus Chriſt had a Guardian Angel? The School-men anſwer warily in this Point: Anſwer. Tho: Aquinas ut ante in Artic. 4.Chriſtus Ratione Paſſibilitatis erat Victor & ſecundum hoc non debebatur ei Angelus cuſtos tanquam ſuperior, ſed magis miniſter tanquam inferior: Chriſt in regard of his Humanity and ſufferings was a Pilgrim upon earth; yet the Angel that therfore attended him was not his Superior, or Ruler,Hugo Cardin. Tom. 6. & fol. 262. but meerly his obedient Vaſſall, truſty Squire, and diligent Servant. Therfore when the Angel is ſayd to ſtrengthen him, Hugo doth thus expound it; Confortans eum; id eſt, Ad modum confortantis ſe habens; Forte aliqua verba conſolatoria dicendo: after a manner he is ſayd to ſtrengthen him, perhaps by ſpeaking comfortable words to him.

p. 104Now here we ſhall endeavour to prove two things unto you: 1. That the Angels were much about Chriſt. 2. That one Angel eſpecially did belong to him.

1.Mat. 4.11. & 26.53. John. 20.12. Mat. 13.41. 1 Tim. 3.16.Matt 4:11Matt 26:53John 20:12Matt 13:411 Tim 3:16 For the former, it is evident, Elect Angels were very buſie about Chriſt in the dayes of his Pilgrimage; their Miniſtrations was uſed upon all occaſions: They did comfort him in the Deſert after his Temptations, in the Garden after his Agony; They were buſie about the Sepulcher, and gave attendance at his Reſurrection: They treated with divers about Chriſt, they brought news of his Birth to the Shepheards, of his Reſurrection to the Women, and of his Aſcention to the Diſciples. Upon all occaſions the Heavenly Hoſt came and miniſtred unto him; of which divers Reaſons may be given.

1. Jeſus Chriſt is their Head and Generall; all Angels, Arch-angels, Seraphins, and Cherubins are ſubject unto Chriſt.

2. Where the King, is there is the Court kept, though in the meaneſt Village.

p. 1053. By attending on Chriſt in the Fleſh, they declared his Divinity: From the greateſt abaſements of Chriſt, certain ſparkles of Glory and Divinity flew out.

4. They came to comfort and ſtrengthen his Humanity, when the Divinity was hid and ecclipſt in his Sufferings which were very great, not only from men but God. See Luke 22.43. Twas the Humane Nature that received ſtrengthening here from an Angel; The**Fuller of Chriſts Temptations. Angel (ſaith one) being in a Calme, & Chriſt in the Tempeſt of an Agony; no wonder if the Meaner give ſupport to the Superior.

5. The Angels attend Chriſt**Col. 1.20. & 2.10. Eph. 1.10. & 3.10. 1 Pet. 1.12.Col 1:20Col 2:10Eph 1:10Eph 3:101 Pet 1:12 becauſe of their Intereſt in his Mediation, for in that Glaſs they read their confirmation in grace and happineſs; So that now there is no fear nor poſſibility of their Apoſtacy and falling: This makes them to pry into the Myſteries of Chriſts Mediation.

6. By Chriſts††Incarnato Chriſto Angeli Deum laudaverunt, quia viderunt Numerum corum impleri. Hugo Cord. Tom. 1 p. 447. Col. 2.Col 2 Redemption; The vacant and empty Rooms of fallen Angels will be ſupplyed by Saints, ſaith Hugo, to make their maimed Society p. 106compleat; For Chriſt ſaith, that Beleevers ſhall be as the Angels of Heaven: So the order of Angels will be repleniſhed, and the Gap filled up, not with Thorns and Rubbiſh, but very pretious Jewels. You ſee there are many reaſons why the Angels were ſo officious about Chriſt Jeſus.

2. For the latter, that one Angel did eſpecially belong to Chriſt, may appear probable to us.Luke 22.43.Luke 22:43 It is ſayd, Luke 22. That there appeared an ANGEL unto him from Heaven ſtrengthening him. Tis probable his name was GABRIEL: For even the Servants of Emperors and great Monarchs are renowned, and their names Recorded, Luke 1:Luke 1.26.30. & 2.21.Luke 1:26Luke 1:30Luke 2:21 The Angel Gabriel came to Mary & told her ſhe ſhould conceive a Child: Then Luk. 2.21. His name was called JESƲS, which was ſo named of the Angel, before he was conceived in the Womb. Tis likely that this Angel upon Conception was peculiar to Chriſt; Comming here as his Harbinger to take up Quarters for him; and declaring from God what his Name ſhould be, and how his great Maſter ſhould p. 107be called. The people alſo conceived that Chriſt had an Angel belonging to him, John 12.29. When they heard a voice the people that ſtood by ſaid, it thundred, others ſayd an Angel ſpake to him.

Laſtly, This Angel for a while forſook his dead body, attending his Soul into Paradice, and again returned with his Soul at the Reſurrection, Matt. 28.2. And behold the **Non Chriſti cauſa venit Angelus tanquam ſine illo non poſset exire Sepulchro; ſed ut fides fieret mulieribus & Apoſtolis, Chriſtum reſurrexiſſe, ſaith Calvin.Angel of the Lord (that is of the Lord Chriſt) deſcended from Heaven and came and rolled back the Stone from the door, and ſat upon it, his Countenance was like Lightning, and his Rayment white as Snow, and for feare of him the Keepers did ſhake and became as dead men. I ſuppoſe that this was ſtill the firſt Angel Gabriel, that gave attendance at his Conception, ſtrengthened him in that Garden-Agony; and leaving his Body at Death, returned again at his Reſurrection; ſtill it runs in the ſingular number, the Angel, and the Angel of the Lord.

This I ſuppoſe, will alſo appear probable to others who ſhall weigh it in the Ballance of Reaſon without caſting p. 108in the black Grain of Carping Prejudice into the contrary Scale. But however if any one can prove that Chriſt had every moment upon Earth many Legions of Angels about him (which he ſayd he could call, for but did not.) We ſtill ſay, this doth not weaken our Aſſertion, that each Beleever hath an Angel; For Chriſt being an extraordinary Perſon might have extraordinary attendance.

6. Queſt. 6 When an Elect Servant of Chriſt hath his Tutelar Angel placed by him? I anſwer, Anſw. Some think at the time of Converſion; others at Baptiſme; Some think at our Birth, and others at our Conception in the Womb: To the two laſt I incline.

1.Origen. Tract. 5. in Mat. Some think at the time of Converſion: Cum fuerint per Regenerationem renati; Tutores dati ſunt converſis, ſaith Origen on this occaſion; of which two Reaſons are given.

1. Becauſe the Angels know not the Decrees, nor who are elected and choſen of God; Before that Election be declared in Converſion: But we anſwer God can ſoon reveal it unto thme.

p. 1092. Becauſe, In tempore Infidelitatis Homo eſt ſub Angelis Satanae. In the ſtate of Nature a man is under the wrath of God, and is vexed with evill Spirits that hurry him to ſin, and rule in the Children of diſobedience. I anſwer, Although this cannot be denyed, and that Elect Angels do not delight in mens ſins, nor in communion with the wicked; yet God is reſolved that all his Elect ſhall have inviſible ſupports againſt Satan, to preſerve them charily as choſen Veſſels, againſt the time that he ſhall manifeſt himſelf unto them: And then it is ſufficient to Angels that God wills their attendance, and that hereafter they ſhall diſcern ſome fruit of their care, when they come to rejoyce at the converſion of thoſe whom they attend: And in the mean time as the Sun is not polluted by looking into Sinks; ſo Angels are not polluted or diſquieted with the ſin of men.

2. Others think the Guardian Angel is placed at Baptiſme: Origen recounting many opinions doth mention this, which is very improbable: p. 110For then the Penitent Theef who never was Baptiz'd had no Guardian Angel to watch over him: And beſides it is then in the diſcretion of Parents (who ſet the time of Baptiſme) when the Angel ſhall begin his Office o're the Child. The Elect are pretious and dear to God before as after that Ordinance, which is a Seal but no cauſe of Gods love: The contempt of it is dangerous, but the obſervation of it, is not meritorious. Away then with that egregious miſtake of Auſtin, that Children dying unbaptized do periſh eternally. Baptiſme is either Flaminis or Fluminis; of the Flame or Flood, of the Water, or its Author: Elect Infants cannot want the Baptiſme of Fire, and of the Spirit. Out of Chriſts ſide came water and blood; and he that hath Chriſt, hath both Sacraments.

Laſtly, Millions are baptized with water that neither have Angel here, nor Heaven hereafter.

3. Moſt think it is done at the Birth of an Elect; God revealing to the Angels who are ſuch, by requiring p. 111their attendance on them that are his. Of this opinion Origen ſpeakes among others. The Rhemiſts ſay,Aquin. Sum Part 1. Queſt. 113. p. 240. Drex. Horolog. Hora. 7. cap. 1. p. 165. Aug. Medit. lib. 1. cap. 12. that the Angels charge begins at our Nativity; Zanchy ſaith the ſame, Aquinas ſaith, Statim a Nativitate, Drexelius ſaith, Angelus Tutelaris naſcentes nos in ſuam Fidem recipit: And Auſtin ſaith expreſly, It is done; Abortu Nativitatis: At the firſt comming into the world.

This alſo is mentioned in two places of Scripture, Gen. 48.15.16. The God which fed me all my life long unto this day, Gen. 48.15.16.Gen 48:15Gen 48:16the Angel which redeemed me from all evill, bleſs (or keep) the Lads: So he mentions Gods feeding him from the Womb, and ſo the Angels keeping him from his Nativity; for otherwiſe it had not been linkt to it.Mat. 18.2.5.10.Matt 18:2Matt 18:5Matt 18:10 And in his Infancy he was freed from many dangers as well as in his Man-hood: But he ſaith, That Angel redeemed, or inſtrumentally kept him from all evill. The other place is that of our Saviours, Mat. 18. Jeſus called a little Child to him and ſet him in the midſt of them, ſaying, whoſoever ſhall p. 112receive one ſuch little Child in my name receiveth me. Take heed that you despiſe not one of theſe little Ones; For I ſay unto you that in Heaven their Angels do alwayes behold the face of my Father. **Dr. Prideaux and Perkins on Mat. 18.10.Matt 18:10Expoſitors agree that by Children our Saviour means, not only his Diſciples little in Gifts, or in the eye of the World; But alſo little Children, even Babes and Sucklings: Such a little Go-by-ground as he ſet before them:Leigh in Nov. Teſt. Even Infants have their Angels; Angels ſaith one, are their Rockers, and Kings Sons muſt have their Guard, ſaith Dyke,: Some think that Angels do help them to ſpeak and go: Elect Infants are in Covenant with God; he hath not denyed them his Angels, and ſhall we deny them his Seal? Infants were received under the Law, and ſhall they be rejected under the Goſpel? When Chriſt himſelf ſaith, ſuffer little Children to come unto me and forbid them not? The Goſpel came to**Eph. 2.14. This expreſſion convinced an Officer of the Army.Eph 2:14 break down partition Walls, then ſurely not to build up new ones: But of old, under the Law there was no partition-wall between p. 113beleiving Parents and their Children, to exclude them from Circumciſion;See Mr. Marſhall Sermon of this Subject: And Mr. Halls Font-guarded. Wo be to thoſe that ſhall now build up a Wall to ſhut out Children from Baptiſme, coming in its room: And can we ſuppoſe that under the Goſpel, whole Houſholds, nay, whole Nations were without Children? The Apoſtles are often ſayd to baptize the Former, and are impowred to baptize the latter: One Goſpel ſaith, teach and baptize, and another ſaith, baptize and teach.

This only by the way: (To return to our buſineſs) Even poor little Infants have their Guardian-Angels: Were it not ſo, into how many dangers would they fall? They would be disfigured and lamed with bruiſes, and fearfull miſcarriages; cutting and burning themſelves as opportunity is offered. Angels are very diligent and handy to look to them and keep them out of harms way: We may well ſay with Dauid, Pſal. 22.9.10.Ps 22:9Ps 22:10Thou O Lord art he that took us out of the Womb, thou didſt make us to hope when we hung upon our Mothers breaſts; We were caſt upon thee p. 114from the Womb, thou haſt been our God from our Mothers belly. And herein eſpecially doth his goodneſs appear, in appointing Angels to watch over us when we would not watch over our ſelves. When you paſs through fire and water I will be with you, ſaith the Lord. Poor Children would ſoon periſh by thoſe Elements, but that Angels are ſo handy to catch them up. When Father and Mother forſake you, the Lord takes you up! This methinks is the Voice of God to Infants dear to him: When Parents are without naturall affection, when Nurſes and Tenders are careleſs, and Children of reſtleſs, ſtirring and climbing diſpoſitions: Then doth the Guardianſhip of Angels eſpecially appear; for how many dangers do they eſcape that others know not of, when alas, there is but an hairs-breadth between them and the Grave? Let us hear Chemnitius on this Subject:Chemnitius in Hamm. Evan. cap. 92. pag. Maxime autem quoad Infantes res ipſa teſtatur; illos tot & tantis periculis obnoxies eſſe, ut nulla Parentum ſolicitudo, nulla famulorum cura ipſis ſervandis ſufficere poſſet, p. 115niſi Angeli cuſtodes adeſſent. Children are obnoxious to very many and great dangers; ſo that no Anxiety of Parents, or diligence of ſervants can ſecure them without the Tuition of Angels. This is the third thing that the charge of Angels begins at our Nativity, or in our childhood.

4. And laſtly,Lawrence of Angels. p. 21. ſome goe further yet, and ſay this is done at the conception of elect Infants; immediately upon the infuſion of a Rational ſoul; And 'tis then very probable that Angels doe begin the execution of their charge. For although the child be a part of the Mother, yet hath it a diſtinct being of its own, conſiſting of ſoule and body. And it may be the Mother is not Elect, and ſo hath no Angel to look to her. Some thinke that the preſence of an Angel with Iohn, Luk. 1.41.44.Luke 1:41Luke 1:44made him leap in Elizabeths womb at Maries ſalutation; an Angel making of that little Embrio to rejoyce and leap, that otherwiſe had been uncapable of ſuch affections and motions, according to the courſe of Nature: Who queſtions but many p. 116have gone to heaven dying in the womb? and ſurely ſuch are guarded by Angels into Abrahams boſome.

What hinders then but an Angel may attend upon a Childe unborn?Dr. Boys his works, p. 878. Pſal. 8.4. Out of the mouths of babes and ſucklings haſt thou ordained (or founded) praiſe. The Tranſlation of Abenezra, initium feciſti, Thou haſt begun praiſe, cannot be ſo good as that of our Saviours, Perfeciſti, Thou haſt perfected (or finiſhed) praiſe, Note. in Mat. 21.16. For as Martin Bucer very well obſerves, Almighty God begins his power and providence towards Infants in the Mothers womb, and when they be Sucklings their praiſe is perfected; for then they quickly cry Ab. Ba. and ſo call the Lord Abba, Father, in their innocent Language. How ſtrong a conſolation is this to godly women bearing of children, to conſider, that holy Angels attend them, and thoſe little pieces and pictures of themſelves, their little children? So that a Believer bearing Twins may poſſibly have three Angels to attend her Motions and all Occurrences p. 117for the ſafety and preſervation of Root and Branches.

Seventhly, Queſt. 7 ſome will further object and aske; If every Saint hath his particular Angel, what doth that Angel, and where doth he abide, before his Man is born, or after he is dead? and what employment and office hath he?

I anſwer, either 1. Attend on that vaſt Quire that worſhip at the Throne, Revel. 5.11. Or 2. Anſwer. be among thoſe that have generall inſpection o're the Church, and are ſome of Michaels hoſt that reſiſt the Dragon. Or 3. Attend on ſome other perſon as Providence ſhall diſpoſe: For as Lombard ſaith, one Angel may be Guardian to many ſucceſſively coming, and dying off:Pet. Lombard, lib. 2 Diſt. 11. Angels can never want employment, that have ſuch a God to worſhip, ſuch a Chriſt to follow, ſuch a Bride to attend, and ſuch a hoſt of Dragons to ſubdue. Finally, though we do not with Pythagoras hold a foreign,Piſcator in Joan 9. p. 654.John 9 or tranſanimation of ſouls; yet nothing hinders, but with Lombard wee may believe a Tranſmigration of guardian Angels, p. 118from one man dying off, to another conceiving in the womb:

Eightly, Queſt. 8 a conſiderable queſtion may ariſe, whether the Tutelar Angel is able to reach, help, and comfort the ſoule of man? 'Tis confeſſed he keeps us from bodily dangers, but can he reach, and ſupport the ſoule?

I anſwer, Anſw. 1 1. By way of Negation; Angels cannot certainly know our Thoughts, though they gueſſe at them: They cannot change the nature, infuſe or increaſe grace; They may hint and ſuggeſt comfort, but they cannot bow the heart to receive it; All this is the peculiar work, and prerogative Royall of the Spirit of God, the third Perſon in ſacred Trinity: Angels have no effications power o're the heart, God only can overrule, Note. melt, and new-mold us. Therefore it is a very wicked opinion of ſome, to give God no more efficacy in moving the heart to converſion, then good Angels have; that is, onelyonly by counſell and perſwaſion: We believe then, that God onelyonly can ſo work as to ſpeak unto us with a high hand p. 119in the Scripture phraſe; that is, ſo to ſpeak as to ſpeed, to charm, turn, or captivate a ſoule: 'Tis he that can effectually inlighten the underſtanding, and determine the will, he can melt, and bend, and form, and turn it which way he pleaſeth, and put a new Bias on the heart, that it ſhall run and wind heaven-ward. He hath a Throne in every mans ſoule, he can tame, and rule, and govern the whole Man, till it ſtoop and buckle to his work; Angels are but Miniſtring ſpirits, and cannot prevail without his bleſſing, as all other helps, and ordinances, and means cannot of themſelves do us good.

2. By way of affirmation;Lawrence of Angels, p. 49. we ſay that Angels, although inviſibly and inſenſibly, do guard and counſell the ſoule; They are of wonderfull uſe to us, and the things communicated to our inward man are ordinarily the adminiſtration of Angels; The evill Angels have not ſo much power to hurt the ſoule, as good Angels to ſupport, defend, and do it good: The Sun and Stars produce their effects p. 120upon the earth, and the Minerals and deepeſt bowels thereof; Why ſhould not the bleſſed Angels have effects upon our hearts?Pſal. 104.4.Ps 104:4 Pſal. 104 Who maketh his Angels ſpirits, his Miniſters a flaming fire. This ſay ſome, is in relation to their working on us by ſome meaſure of enlightning and warming the heart.

But how far doth the Miniſtration of Angels relate and reach unto the ſoule?

1.Dr. Goodwins Child of light walking in darkneſſe, Chap. 8. In generall, they do gueſſe very much at our thoughts, affections, and deſires. Counſell in the heart of a man is like deep water, but a man of underſtanding will draw it out, ſaith Solomon, Prov. 20.5. Now all thoſe methods and Advantages which one man hath of knowing another, Angels have over us moſt eminently, they can goe one room neerer to the ſoul, becauſe they are ſpirits, & they do very much conſider and ſtudy us. To ſome men is given diſcerning of ſpirits; That is, the diſcovery and finding out the ſincerity or hollowneſs of the heart: How much more is this given unto p. 121Angels? If the Wiſe that hath been forty years in thy boſome is able in great meaſure to know thee, to gueſs at thy thoughts, and trace thee in thy wayes: And know when thy tongue and heart do not agree, how much more thy Angel Guardian that hath ever been with thee? Angels do heare our Vocall confeſſions in private Prayers, eying us when moſt retired; obſerving us in all Places, Poſtures, Companies, and Employments, which no other Friend or Foe can do. Our neereſt Relations are ſometimes diſtant from us; The Angels can ſoone collect by obſervation, and laying things together what paſſion is prevalent and ſtirring in us: And if men by a ſlight caſt or**Si quis corporis oculos conſideret, eos admodum cſse Garrulos quamvis ſine voce comperiet; Affectus evulgant. Drexelius de Recta Intentione, lib. 2. cap. 9 glaunce of our eye, throw off the Arme, or other bodily Geſture, doe ſoon underſtand us before in words wee uncaſe our mind, and unmask our Thoughts; queſtion not but Angels are much quicker in reading of us, and ſpying out the deſign of our hearts: Angels may know our thoughts or affections either certainly by divine Revelation, or probably p. 122and conjecturally (which ſeldome miſſeth) by externall ſignes; They are extreamly ingenuous in gueſſing; Great is their naturall wiſdome,Lawrence of Angels, p. 32. long and vaſt alſo their experience: If Phyſitians by the pulſe and temper can ſpell your affections and paſſions, and tell you that you are in Love, or take care; the Angels knowing ſo much by Nature, and having the kernell of all Arts and Sciences, after more then five thouſand yeares experience, cannot but eaſily pierce into things that men (who are but of yeſterday, and full of infirmities) underſtand not. Angels d… pry into our bodily humours, and view (as by a glaſſe) the interiour ſenſes: As for inſtance.

Anger is thus defined, Ebullitio ſanguinis circa Cor. Anger is blood perplext into a Froth, whileſt malice is the wiſdom of a Wrath. Anger then is eaſily eſpyed by Angels; malice not ſo unleſs by the effects: Men read our Faces, and by ſudden Paleneſs do judg of our Anger; they underſtand the Language of our ſighs and bluſhes: p. 123But Angels can trace us much further; they ſee the moſt ſecret boylings of the blood in Luſt, anger, or fear, although the Countenance bewray us not, but be cloathed with a contrary Temper: Where men ſmile and laugh very loud; Note. Angels can ſee through thoſe Tiffany Pretenſions and ſubtle Vailes, if the hearts be Penſive (for Salomon ſaith, in Laughter the heart may be ſad) Becauſe though they do not abſolutely know our hearts, yet our Thoughts do ſoon make impreſſions on the body, which Angels preſently diſcern: And if our Angel Guardian could not thus gueſſe at us, how could he apply himſelf to us in a ſutable way? We ſay when Diſeaſes are known, they are halfe cured.

2: Angels cannot only read, but coyn impreſſions on our fancy and imagination: They have ſecret wayes of treating and dealing with us; No time is free, waking and ſleeping they have the key, and can come to us when the ſenſes are lock'd and barrd, as appears by our dreams; They need not (ſaith one) goe about, and fetch p. 124the compaſs of our eares and eyes, as we are fain to doe: Therefore our communion is exceeding great with the Angels. Do we not waking and ſleeping ſee impreſſions in our Fancy, of things that we thought we had forgotten? This is done by the Angels good and evill, who can make Compoſition rare and wonderfull of what they find in us; Though they cannot (ſay the Schoolmen) put in any thing that is purely De novo, yet they ſtrangely and ſtrongly work on the matter which they find.

3. The good Angels doe often obſtruct & impede evill actions; as our good endeavours are often hindred by Satan, ſo are our evill by the Angels elect, elſe were not our protection equall to our danger: A good Angel oppoſed Balaam in an evill way, and ſpake in the mouth of an Aſſe, to reſiſt the madneſſe of his Maſter. If an heavenly ſpirit ſaith**Biſhop Halls Contemplat. one, obſtruct the courſes of the evill, and ſtand in the way of a Sorcerers ſin: how much more ready are all thoſe ſpirituall Powers to ſtop Miſcarriages of Gods p. 125deareſt children? When thou art going (Remigiis Dedalis) to diſhonour the Lord, and haſt a full gale of opportunity to ſin, thy Angel Guardian doth often prove a Remora inviſibly to ſtop thy deſign: How often would the Saints relaps and fall into miſchief, if their Angels did not pull them back, hedg, and block up their way unto evill by with-holding the occaſions of ſinne?Traps Decad of Angels. Michael oppoſed Satan about the body of Moſes, ſo do the Angels ſtill oppoſe the Kingdom of Darkneſſe about the bodies and ſoules of the Saints,Rivius de Praeſidio Angelico, p. 723. whilſt they live, and after death. When Satan hath beſieged us, our guardian Angel, vim oppugnantis repulit, vires debilitavit, patefecit inſidias, fraudem detexit, ſaith Rivius. Hee hath reveal'd their ſleight, and repel'd their might. The Angels do watch over us, ſaith Greenham, yet all ſee it not;Greenhams Workes, p. 3. and when they ſee it, tis by the effect of their Miniſtrie. They watch over us and preſerve us from many dangers of ſoule and body.

4. The Angels have been uſed to p. 126declare and trumpet out the will of God to his People: The Angel reveaſed to Mary the Incarnation of Chriſt: an Angel admoniſhed Hagar of her duty: an Angel inſtructed John that God only is to be worſhipped; The name Angel ſignifies Meſſenger, becauſe God hath by their Miniſtration conveyed many Meſſages to Men. Nay,

5. The Angels do not only declare what is good,Dr. Sibbs Myſtery of Godlineſse, p. 108. but they adviſe us to it: So Dr. Sibbs, if the Devils can ſuggeſt ſinne; Angels are ſtronger and wiſer then Devils, whatſoever they can do in evill, the elect Angels can in good; therefore they ſuggeſt many thoughts that are good.

Lombard ſaith of the guardian Angel,Lombard, lib. 2. diſt. 11. Hortatur ad Bonum; He doth admoniſh and perſwade us on all occaſions to that which is good. The way how this is done is very myſterious, let us not pry into that.

6. They encourage and comfort us in doing our duty: So an Angel comforted Hagar, another comforted Paul in the ſtorm at Sea,2 R…g. 1.3 and an p. 127Angel encouraged and ſtrengthened Eliah to his worke; And although now they doe not appeare in bodily ſhapes, yet the ſame offices are by them (although more ſpiritually and myſteriouſly) performed to us:Mendoza in Reg. vel. 1 cap. 1. ſect. 2. p. 244. Nay Mendoza ſaith, they further excite & quicken the ſoul in Prayer; But we ſhall not proceed ſo far, leaſt we think of them above that which is written.

7. The Angel guardian helps us in our ſufferings, and afflictions: Thus the Angels have appeared unto the Martyrs a little before their death, to cheer and encourage them; When Chriſt was in an Agony (juſt before he was betrayed) the preſence of an Angel did ſtrengthen him:Lu 22.43. And Peters Angel appeared to him in the priſon, and delivered him: When the child Moſes was layd among the flags, and Joſeph put into a pit, then did their guardian Angel ſtand them in good ſtead, or elſe the one had been deſtroyed of Water, and the other ſtarved to death, or made a prey to wild Beaſts.

8. And laſtly, at Death, the Angel p. 128guardian conveys the believing**Hoc munus non fruſtra Angelis aſſignat Chriſtus, quos ſcimus datos eſse fidelibus Miniſtros; ut eorum ſaluti ſua ſtudia operasque impendant Calvin in Luc. 16.22Luke 16:22 ſoul into Abrahams boſome, through the Devils Territories, and in ſpight of him; for he is the Prince of the Ayre: Some think that to the Angel guardian are joyned certain other Angels to ſcour and cleer the paſſage for us; They are our convoy to Bliſſe: And in this march they are continually fighting for us, and thus with much ſpeed and triumph they convey us into our Fathers houſe, which is the laſt office this Angel ſhall do for us, unles it be to call, & gather our very bodies to Judgment at the laſt day: And in heaven we ſhall have perfect knowledg of that Angel that was our keeper, as alſo of all other Angels and Saints there.

Some may ſay, Object. If Angels do all this for us, gueſſe very much at our hearts, make powerful impreſſions on our Fancy and Imagination, impede and hinder evill actions, declare and perſwade Gods will, hearten and encourage us in ſervice and ſufferings, and convey us at laſt into our haven of Heaven; Then what will you leave p. 129unto God, and the holy ſpirit of Grace?

We leave unto God all in all, Solut. which is, 1. The Commiſſion. 2. The Inſpiration. 3. The Benediction; From him they have their warrant, meſſage, and bleſſing. Angels are but his ſervants; Ceſterns are they, not Fountaines: God only can renew and ſanctifie the ſoul, and bleſſe all the means and methods of our good; why ſhould aſcribing to Angels ſome work upon the ſoule, derogate from Chriſt, more then their tuition of our bodyes; for we deny not to Chriſt the care alſo of our outward man? So then let the Miniſtry of Angels as to our bodies and ſoules, raiſe and elevate our thoughts to admire & adore the great Lord and Maſter of thoſe Servants, and breed in us a high eſteem of theſe heavenly Tutors; That having gained them, wee may converſe with, and ſuck all the good we poſſibly can from them.

Ninthly, Queſt. 9 The next queſtion may be this, are our Angels greived at our falls and miſeries? Doe they ſympathize p. 130with us? Mourn with them that mourn? Are they touched & grieved when we fall into ſin, or when trouble falls upon us?

I anſw. Anſwer. with Hugo, Hugo Cardinalis, Tom. 7. p. 246.Angelus ſcire poteſt infirma noſtra ſed non compati quia nec Pati; The Angel may know our infirmities, but cannot ſuffer with us, becauſe he cannot ſuffer at all. The Schoolmen therefore do upon good grounds deny the fellow-feeling of Angels, by ſuffering and grieving with us in our tryals: For though they unfeignedly deſire our good, yet they cannot diſ-roab themſelves of their own happineſſe.Rev. 21.4.Rev 21:4 When we come to Heaven, there is no more death nor wayling, Revel. 21. No man in heaven ſhall mourn or ſigh for the damnation of his deareſt friends: So alſo the Angels (inſtated in ſo much happineſs) are not capable of griefe and ſorrow:Tho: Aquinas, Prima parte Queſt. 113. Artic. 7. The Reaſon, ſaith Thomas is this, They are brimfull of happineſſe, and their wils are ſo clearly wheel…d about by the ſupream will of God, without which nothing comes to paſs, that they cannot grieve or mourn for p. 131that, which God is reſolv'd ſhall work together for the good of Believers. 'Tis ſufficient they earneſtly wiſh and deſire our good, and do rejoyce at our converſion, let us not be troubled that they grieve not at our Deviation: Note. Exceſſive griefe hath made friends to be uſelſſe to us, and piniond their arms that they have not bin able to help us: Angels will ſtrive to pull us out of evill, that is better then if they ſate ſtill to ſigh and mourn over us. Chriſt is ſaid to be Toucht with the feeling of our infirmities: Nay in all our afflictions he is afflicted. Not that he can ſuffer or mourn in heaven; but that ſuch is our Union with him, and his Remembrance of our frailty, becauſe he hath our fleſh, that he is ready to own and help us in our ſtreights: In this reſpect Angels alſo may be ſayd to ſympathize with us, for they will ſtand by us and ſupport us in a time of need.

10. Queſt. 10 How Believers can fall into dangers, that are ſtill thus attended by the wiſe and powerful care of their Angels. Mephiboſheth a child of five p. 132yeares old, ſonne to a good Father, and afterwards a good man himſelfe, was lamed by a fall from his fleeing Nurſe; Innumerable examples might be brought of the ſame kind; Are the Angels of Believers abſent, impotent, or ſullen and careleſs, when Believers do thus miſcarry under their hands? and ſuch miſchances befals them?

One anſwers, Anſwer. No miſchances can befall them that are godly:Fuller of Chriſts Temptations, p. 100 101. Not chances, becauſe all things are ordered by divine Providence. Nor miſchances, becauſe all things worke for their good. Therefore we ſay.

1. The promiſe of Angels protection,Mat. 4.6.Matt 4:6 Mat. 4. (as all temporall promiſes) runs with this tacite Reſervation and condition, Alwayes prouided, that God in his infinite wiſdome, for Reaſons best known to himſelf, doe not judge the contrary more conducing to his glory, and our inward good: Hee ſeeth, that many times Afflictions humble us, awaken us, & do us good,††Schola crucis ſchola lucis. teaching us his will, and our duty.

2. Angels are to keep us in all our wayes, Pſalm 91.11. It is not ſayd p. 133Our wandrings: And who in this wilderneſs-condition is free from wandring? Who can ſay, I have made my heart cleane? Sinn muſt have ſorrow here or for ever; Your ſinnes have hindred good things from you.

3. God is above the Angels, and they all move and act by Divine Appointment: As the Primum mobile moves all the other Sphears, ſo Angels and all creatures are ſwayed, moved, and ordered by the Lord: Note. he can countermand Angelical protection, and give Inſtructions to thoſe powers (in ſome caſes) to ſuſpend their Attendance and care of us: Hee alſo gives ſcope to evill Angels to moleſt us lengthening out their chaine certaine links, by enlarging their Commiſſion to exerciſe and prove us, as in the famous caſes of Iob & Paul, Satan was permitted to deſtroy the goods, children, & health of the one, & to buffet the mind and conſcience of the other, and give him a thorn in the fleſh. 4. When believers do thus lie under the laſh of a Father, Angelical attendance doth mitigate the evil, that they do not p. 134ſuccumbere, deſpair and utterly miſcarry: As if a Limb be bruiſed, that the Life be ſpared: Let us hear the Apoſtle,2 Cor. 4.8, 9.2 Cor 4:82 Cor 4:9 We are troubled on every ſide yet not diſtreſſed, we are perplexed but not in deſpair; Perſecuted but not forſaken, 1 Cor. 6.9.1 Cor 6:9caſt down but not deſtroyed; and elſewhere, as dying yet behold we live. Angels are not alwayes to keep us from,Primum ac praecipuum genus conſolationis eſt Animum triſtem conſolari, etiamſi Res Adverſae adhuc durent. Muſculus in Pſal. 94.19 p. 729.Ps 94:19 but ſometimes in troubles; which ſaith Muſculus is the chiefeſt Point of conſolation: So**2 Cor. 1.3. Rom. 5.5.2 Cor 1:3Rom 5:5 Saint Paul. He comforteth us in all our tribulations; & again, As the ſufferings of Chriſt abound in us ſo our conſolations alſo abound in Chriſt. Now theſe Cordials and Conſolations in and under ſufferings, are chiefly adminiſtred by God the holy Spirit; Inſtrumentally alſo by Angels: Chriſt could have prayed that many Legions of Angels ſhould have kept him from ſuffering; this he did not, yet the Angels Miniſtred unto him in the Wilderneſs, in the Agony and other ſufferings of his from time to time.

5. Beleevers are ſo defended by God and Elect Angels, that whatſoever p. 135temporall things they ſuffer they ſhall not eternally miſcarry; though the miſeries and croſſes of this life prevail againſt them, yet the Gates of Hell ſhall not. Though the Lions do roar, God will not caſt them his Children to feed them; that Tormenting Flame ſhall not touch one hair of their head. Is this all their Conſolation, that the Oven of Hell is heating but not for them? No, Heaven is preparing and perfuming for them: Though thy Angel therfore do ſuffer thee to trip, he will ſupport and raiſe thee up again; He is not to leave thee till thou art ſafe within Heavens Gate.

6. And laſtly, This objection, that Beleevers have not their Guardian Angels, becauſe of their ſinnings and ſufferings is not ſo conſiderable, if you remember that each Beleever alſo is acted by the holy Ghoſt, who is intempled in the Saints, and yet the people of God have many failings and infirmities; ſin in them is dejected but not ejected. The body is acted by a Raitionall Soul, yet in the time of p. 136fancy and ſleep it cannot counſell and watch over us. The Sun is ever in the Heavens, yet ſomtimes his face is ecclipſt, or muffled with Clouds. Though our Angel be never ſo wiſe, faithfull and Potent, yet the Lord of Angels and men may ſuſpend and ecclipſe his Protection for a time, that we may the more depend upon himſelf; Note. As the Nurſe gets behind the Skreen that the Infant may go into the Mothers armes, without crying: If Angels do not help us tis that we may call upon God for aid.

Eleventhly. Qu. 11 It may be asked, if the Tutelar Angel doth at any time really and utterly depart, and leave thoſe deſtitute and forelorn, with whoſe Guardianſhip they are intruſted? Tis ſayd of Peters Angel,Acts 12.10.Acts 12:10 when the Iron Gate was opened and one ſtreet paſſed, That forthwith the Angel departed from him.

I anſwer, Anſw. that departing of the Angel was only his diſappearing, or laying p. 137down that bodily ſhape that was aſſumed:Mat. ult. ult. So Chriſt is ſaid to leave and not to leave the World. We affirm therfore that good Angels are our conſtant Aſſociates till death: Though their Influence may be ſuſſpended, yet their preſence is continued; and they never throughout our life do utterly and totally ſorſake us. Mat. 18.10. Their Angels do alwayes behold my Fathers face. They are their Angels not for a ſpirit, or in a good Mood, but alwayes theirs; alwayes expecting new commands for their good: And Pſal 91.11. They are charged to keep us and be with us in all our wayes. As a ſhaddow followeth the body without leaving it or lagging behind, ſo do the Angels accompany Beleevers in all their walks and wayes.Oates on Jude 9. p. 216.Jude 1:9 Oates in his Comment on Jude writeth thus, The Angels attend on us, ride and journey with us. Tis moſt neceſſary and evident that they never totally forſake us in our Pilgrimage, in this wayfaring and warfaring condition: Satan goeth about p. 138ſeeking whom to devoure; If therfore he ſhould find us alone, and without the tuition of Angels, we were but one morſel for him; He ſpareth the wicked becauſe they are his and muſt do him ſervice: As God is ſayd to leave us for a time when ſins and afflictions overtake us: So the Angels (his Meſſengers and Miniſters) may be ſayd to withdraw, when ſome hurt befals us, to return again for our greater advantage; but it is certain**Heb. 13.5. Pſal. 27.10.Heb 13:5Ps 27:10 that God never leaves nor forſakes us, therfore nor the Angels really or totally: But ſaith one, they are often with us as Phyſitians are with thoſe that have filthy Ulcers, Note. they ſtop their Noſes and adminiſter the Medicine: So do they, our vanity and ſins extreamly offend them (as alſo God) yet their obedience to God and love to us chains and keeps them ſteddily to us; They will not, dare not, cannot utterly forſake us, till we be got into Heaven:

If it be objected that the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, Object: 1 Sam. 16.14.1 Sam 16:14and an evil Spirit from the Lord came and troubled him. Sol. I anſwer, By that good p. 139Spirit that departed, you muſt either underſtand, the holy Spirit of God in his common (not ſanctifying) gifts and graces; Or a good Angel that for a time was ſent to him, but not to abide. Good Angels may be ſent unto the bad, as to Saul and Baalam, but they abide only with the good;Heb. 1.14.Heb 1:14 The Heirs of Salvation: Such, ſaith Origen as are Praecogniti a Deo, foreknown of God.

Then by the evil Angel that ſucceeded and ſeized on him, is meant Satan taking fuller poſſeſſion, as he is ſayd to enter into Judas after the Sop, who had a litter of Divels in his heart before. So ſaith Chriſt, the Devil may ſeem to depart, and takes with him many other Spirits worſe then himſelf to repoſſeſs a man, that his latter end ſhall be dolefull, and the very Map of all miſery and deſperation: And on the other ſide, if good Angels ſeem to withdraw from the Saints, tis that they may return with the greater Triumph and Conſolation.

The twelfth and laſt Queſtion is this, Queſt. 12 How can Elect Angels be happy p. 140in Heaven, if they be thus diſperſt and buſied and employed on Earth?

To this I anſwer.11Anſwer which is confuted.

Firſt, Some affirm that Heaven is not at any diſtance from us, but conſiſts in the fruition of God, ſo that Heaven may be on Earth:Chemnit. Harmon. Evangel. cap. 92. p. 1741. Thus Chemnitius in his Harmony reſolves this doubt; Obſervandum eſt quod Angeli qui puſillis miniſtrant, Haec officia omnia in Terris expediunt; & nihlominus Faciem Patris in Coelis videre dicuntur: Ʋnde manifeſtiſſimum eſt, Coelum, in quo Deus cum Majeſtate ſua reſidet, non per tot Myriadas Milliarum, ultra ſupremum hoc aſpectabile Coelum abeſſe; ſicut Calviniani de co Nugantur. That becauſe the Angels of little Children on Earth behold the face of God in Heaven, therfore Heaven is not a place at ſuch diſtance from us as Calviniſts imagine.**Coelum itaque Terra & In fernus non locorum intercapedinibus, ſed Beatituditudiuis & tius Ibid. Infoelicitatis Reſpectu, diſtinguuntur. Chemni… And that therfore it is moſt manifeſt, that Heaven, Earth, and Hell are only diſtinguiſhed by a greater degree of happineſs or miſery; not Locally or any diſtance of place.

p. 141But that Gods Throne and the Seat of Elect Angels and glorified Saints is a Place and at a great diſtance from us, will full eaſily appear. And that therfore Angels cannot be here and in Heav…n at the ſame time, I mean the ſame Numerical Angels.

Firſt, I will prove unto you that Heaven i… not only happineſs or content, but a place, which will …hu… …ppear: (I refer the Reader to the Scriptures in the Margent.)

1. By(a)(a)Eph. ….3. …ohn 14.2.3. plain and poſitive Scriptures.

2. By Names and Titles given to Heaven(b)(b)Heb. ….…6. Mat 5.8.Matt 5:8 a Kingdome an(c)(c)Iohn 14.2. Iſa. 63.15John 14:2Isa 63:15 Houſe, an(d)(d)Luke 23.43. Rev. 2.7.Luke 23:43Rev 2:7 Eden, or Garden of Pleaſure.

3. By the Inhabitants that dwell in Heaven. 1. Spirituall as(e)(e)Mat. 6.9. Ioh. 3.13. 1 Ioh. 5.7.Matt 6:9John 3:131 John 5:7 God,(f)(f)…at. 2 25. Angels,(g)(g)Luke. 23.43.Luke 23:43 the Soul of juſt men made perfect. 2. Corporeall; There is the body of(h)(h)Gen. 5 24.Gen 5:24 Enoch (i)(i)2. Reg. 2 11.2 Kgs 2:11Elias and(k)(k)Mark. 16.19. Ep. 1.20.Mark 16:19 Chriſt; and as his body went thither, ſo there it(l)(l)1. Acts 3.21.Acts 3:21 abides; wherupon Auſtin ſaith thus, Ʋbi corpus ibi locum eſſe neceſſe eſt, where there is a body, there muſt of neceſſity be a p. 142place. It is evident then that there is a Locall Heaven.

Secondly,**Nam quum aſſumptus in Coelum dicitur Chriſtus; Certe aperte notatur Locorum Diſtantia, ſai…h Brentius. Heaven is at a great diſtance from us, which Brentius concludes from Chriſts being taken up out of ſight; they followed him with their eyes ſo long as ever they could. Tis at leaſt an 160 Millions of**Greenhill on Ezek. Vol. 1. p. 104. miles high from Earth to Heaven; So far it is by the Rules of Aſtronomers: If this aſcending Line could be drawn right-forward, ſome that have calculated curiouſly have found it five hundred years journey unto the Starry-heaven for an ordinary Traveller.

Ob. How could the Soul of the converted Theef trace and travel it then in one day? This day ſhalt thou bee with me in Paradice, ſaid Chriſt.

Sol. Leighs Body of Div. in 4to. lib. 3. cap. 3. p. 28.This was done by the conduct and celerity of Angels that conveyed it. A Bullet from a Musket flyes very ſwiftly; it will fly an 180. miles an hour, according to its motion: But the Sun moveth ſwifter, 1160000. miles in one hour. Now the Throne of God is very much above the viſible Heavens; therfore certainly the p. 143Seat of Angels and bleſſed Souls is at an huge diſtance from us, Tis in the (m)(m)Pſal. 104.3.Ps 104:3higheſt Heavens. (n)(n)Eph. 4.10.Eph 4:10Chriſt is aſcended far above all Heavens, ſaith St. Paul. **Magirus lib. 2. cap. 2. p. 120.From the height of the Stars you may gueſs at the vaſt diſtance of Coelum Empiraeum, which is ſedes Beatorum, according to that of Eliphaz; Is not God in the height of Heaven? and behold the height of the Stars how high they are, Job. 22.12. Compare now the judgment of Eliphaz with that of Chemnitius.

The ſecond Anſwer to the Queſtion then is this, Anſ. 2 which is confirmed.That whileſt Angels are on Earth, Heaven is ſtill their Country, their Home, their Inheritance: And that a main part of Heaven which is the fruition and viſion of God, Elect Angels may and do enjoy whileſt they are on Earth with us; This is our concluſion, for ſeeing Heaven is at ſuch a diſtance, and Angels are not Omni-preſent;Damaſcen. lib. 2. Orth. Fidei cap. 3. We muſt ſay with Damaſcen, Angeli cum ſunt hic Nobiscum, non ſunt in Coelo: Angels cannot be in Heaven and on Earth together; That they are ſometimes p. 144on Earth who denyeth, for here they have appeared by Aſſumption of humane bodies? Angels do not then ſuffer by with-drawing from Heaven, for here they enjoy the preſence and favour of God, which ſupplies the want of Heaven unto them. Their condition is ſo happy here that figuratively they are ſaid to be in Heaven, Mat. 18.10. The Angels of Chriſts little Ones are ſaid to behold the face of God in Heaven; viz. Their communion with God is not eclipſt, God fille…h every place with his preſence: This made Mount Tabor ſo glorious at the Transfiguration of Chriſt. We ſay then that Elect Angels (not only ſometimes, when they be in Heaven, but alwayes ſaith Chriſt, namely when on Earth alſo) THEIR Angels (by reaſon of particular attendance) do ſtill continue to behold the face of God: Elect Angels even whileſt they are on Earth with us, have a fulneſs of Gods preſence and joy, ſome way(o)(o)Leighs Body of Divin. lib. 3. cap. 7. anſwerable to that in heaven which makes them no looſers by this Employment: Seeing it is an Heaven p. 145to Angels to be doing the(p)(p)Dr. Gouge his Guide to God. p. 79. will of God, and ſeeing his face, and rejoycing in his Service. For although they go up and down in their Miniſtry here below, yet this they perform without Regret or Diſtraction; and their happineſs is not therby obſtructed: As the Souls in Heaven are not hindred from happineſs by deſiring their bodies again, ſo Angels continue happy though they be a while from Heaven, their uſuall home: Note. And as Noble-men do joyfully go Ambaſſadors into a meaner Country then their own not ſo much diſliking the coldneſs of the Climat, as approving the honor of the Embaſſage, and high employment wherein they do ſerve their Prince and publick good: So Angels do not greive but rejoyce to come as Ambaſſadors and Agents from Heaven to Earth, as knowing they muſt ſhortly return in Triumph to their Native Country. In the mean time they here below do fully enjoy the face and favour of God, and are freed from all manner of diſtraction and miſery: Et ſi foris exeunt, internis p. 146contemplationis gaudiis non Privantur, Gregory.ſaith Gregory moſt truly: Although for a time they leave their own home, they want not the inward joyes of contemplation.Luke 2.13.Luke 2:13 A full Quire of Angels ſang Carols over a few ragged Shepheards and their Flocks; which declares that their abſence from Heaven and their attending poor Worms upon Earth, doth not cut them off from their heavenly contemplations and ſweet rejoycings in God. As a General rejoyceth to be in the Field, Note. and glorieth in his Spoyl and Enſigns of Victory; ſo do the Angels in skirmiſhing and routing the evil Spirits. Chriſt himſelf was well pleaſed with being on Earth, accounting it meat and drink to do the will and buſineſs of his Father: He ſubmited to a mean life and curſed death for our ſakes, and was emptied of all Glory for us: Therfore let us conclude Elect Angels do not repent their Attendance on us. Princes are not alwayes in their Palaces, ſomtimes they make excurſions into Forreſts, Note. Villages, and deſolate Places, and at laſt p. 147retire home with renewed ſatisfaction: So Angels ſhort excurſions on Earth, do but ſet out unto them the Glory of thoſe Celeſtiall Habitations.