Looking unto Jesus a view of the everlasting gospel, or, the souls eying of…

3. But how should we discern what is spoken by the immediate inspiration of the spirit, and what by the mediation of the Angels? here indeed we are at a stand; and therefore my best resolution is that of Calvin, That in such secrets we should keep one rule of modesty and sobriety; and that we should neither speak, nor think, nor yet desire to know any other thing than such as hath been taught us by Gods Word. I know not any great use there may be of this Question, and therefore I shall not amuse my self in giving any account of it; only these remain as sure truths. 1. That the things communicated to our inward man, (I mean those inward motions, and suggestions to holiness and obedience) are frequently and usually by the administration of Angels. 2. That the same things communicated to our inward man, are ever originally and primarily from the Spirit of Christ; and hence it is that commonly we put them all on that score, we give them all to Christs Spirit. 3. That 'tis proper to the spirit to enlighten the, understanding and to determine the will effectually; the Angels are but Cisterns, the spirit is the fountain; the Angels may speak and move us to our duties, but the blessing, the efficacy is of the Spirit, and in this respect we leave to Christ and his Spirit the all in all. Well then, O my soul, consider (especially in Church assemblies, and in the enjoyment of Ordinances) the especial presence of Christ, in the presence of his spirit, and in the presence of his Angels: What? dost thou feel any stirrings, actings, movings in thy spirit? dost thou feel any quickening, warming, feeding, cherishing, healing,¹ mollifying, melting, comforting, strengthening in thy inward parts? say then, Surely the Lord is in this place,—this is none other but the House of God, this is the gate of Heaven. O here is the Spirit, and here are the Angels ascending, and descending; and therefore avoid Satan! avoid all profane thoughts, and earthly-mindedness! avoid dullness, deadness, drowsiness! avoid looseness, lasciviousness, and all irreverence,² because of the Angels; and because of the Spirit; and because of the especial presence of Christ which encauses them both.

3. But how should we discern what is spoken by the immediate inspiration of the spirit, and what by the mediation of the Angels? here indeed we are at a stand; and therefore my best resolution is that of Calvin, That in such secrets we should keep one rule of modesty and sobriety; and that we should neither speak, nor think, nor yet desire to know any other thing than such as hath been taught us by Gods Word. I know not any great use there may be of this Question, and therefore I shall not amuse my self in giving any account of it; only these remain as sure truths. 1. That the things communicated to our inward man, (I mean those inward motions, and suggestions to holiness and obedience) are frequently and usually by the administration of Angels. 2. That the same things communicated to our inward man, are ever originally and primarily from the Spirit of Christ; and hence it is that commonly we put them all on that score, we give them all to Christs Spirit. 3. That 'tis proper to the spirit to enlighten the, understanding and to determine the will effectually; the Angels are but Cisterns, the spirit is the fountain; the Angels may speak and move us to our duties, but the blessing, the efficacy is of the Spirit, and in this respect we leave to Christ and his Spirit the all in all. Well then, O my soul, consider (especially in Church assemblies, and in the enjoyment of Ordinances) the especial presence of Christ, in the presence of his spirit, and in the presence of his Angels: What? dost thou feel any stirrings, actings, movings in thy spirit? dost thou feel any quickening, warming, feeding, cherishing, healing,