Perhaps you'll say, that cannot be: because this is but seeing him in a glass; when the Angels see him face to face, and immediately behold his blessed Essence: or else how can the Saints expect that beatifical ⟨p. 225⟩Vision. To which I answer First, that I am uncertain whether seeing face to face bean immediate intuition of the Essence of God, or only such a sight of his Glory in those emanations, that are as appropriated to the place or state of Bliss. Gods Essence is every where; but that Glory is not every where: And so I know not whether our present knowledge be not called Enigmatical, and as in a glass, comparatively to that Glory prepared for the Saints: But secondly, I answer, that certain I am that God is Demonstrated to his Angels in the Redeemer, yea in the Church it self, which is the Subject of his Grace, and that they are both Affected, and Employed about us accordingly. He that spoiled Principalities, and Powers, and openly triumphed over them, and by death, overcame him that had the power of death, Col. 2. 15. Heb. 2. 14. And had so much to do against the evil Angels as Enemies, no doubt is joyfully observed by the good Angels. And he that is set so far above Principalities, and Powers, and Might, and Dominion, and every name that is named in this world, or that which is to come, Ephes. 1. 21. And is gone in to ⟨p. 226⟩Heaven, and is on the right hand of God, Angels, and Authorities, and Powers, being made subject to him, (1 Pet. 3. 22.) no doubt is honoured and admired by Angels. And indeed it is expressly said, Let all the Angels of God worship him, Heb. 1. 6. And what are they all but Ministering spirits, sent forth to Minister for them, who shall be heirs of Salvation, Heb. 1. 14. And therefore sent forth by Jesus Christ, the Lord of Saints. Which makes some think that the title of Angels, was never given to any of these Spirits, till the Mediators undertaking, and that it was only as they were his deputed messengers, or servants for the Ends of that undertaking. Sure we are, they attended his birth with their acclamations, and his life and sufferings (as far as was meet) with their service; and that they are deputed to bear his servants in their hands, that they dash not their foot against a stone; that they are ascending, and descending, and are present with the Churches in their Holy Worship; and that they rejoice at the Conversion of one sinner;
Perhaps you'l say, that cannot be: because this is but seeing him in a glass; when the Angels see him face to face, and immediately behold his blessed Essence: or else how can the Saints expect that beatificall ⟨p. 225⟩Vision. To which I answer First, that I am uncertain whether seeing face to face bean immediate intuition of the Essence of God, or only such a sight of his Glory in those emanations, that are as appropriated to the place or state of Bliss. Gods Essence is every where; but that Glory is not every where: And so I know not whether our present knowledg be not called Enigmaticall, and as in a glass, comparatively to that Glory prepared for the Saints: But secondly, I answer, that certain I am that God is Demonstrated to his Angels in the Redeemer, yea in the Church it self, which is the Subject of his Grace, and that they are both Affected, and Imployed about us accordingly. He that spoiled Principalities, and Powers, and openly triumphed over them, and by death, overcame him that had the power of death, Col. 2. 15. Heb. 2. 14. And had so much to do against the evill Angels as Enemies, no doubt is joyfully observed by the good Angels. And he that is set so far above Principalities, and Powers, and Might, and Dominion, and every name that is named in this world, or that which is to come, Ephes. 1. 21. And is gone in to ⟨p. 226⟩Heaven, and is on the right hand of God, Angels, and Authorities, and Powers, being made subject to him, (1 Pet. 3. 22.) no doubt is honoured and admired by Angels. And indeed it is expresly said, Let all the Angels of God worship him, Heb. 1. 6. And what are they all but Ministring spirits, sent forth to Minister for them, who shall be heirs of Salvation, Heb. 1. 14. And therefore sent forth by Jesus Christ, the Lord of Saints. Which makes some think that the title of Angels, was never given to any of these Spirits, till the Mediators undertaking, and that it was only as they were his deputed messengers, or servants for the Ends of that undertaking. Sure we are, they attended his birth with their acclamations, and his life and sufferings (as far as was meet) with their service; and that they are deputed to bear his servants in their hands, that they dash not their foot against a stone; that they are ascending, and descending, and are present with the Churches in their Holy Worship; and that they rejoyce at the Conversion of one sinner;
