A29370:93
The righteous man's habitation in the time of plague and pestilence being a brief…
The righteous man's habitation in the time of plague and pestilence being a brief exposition of the XCI. Psalm / by William Bridge.
London: printed for T.J., 1665
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
If these things be so; first, great is the dignity of the Saints, of the Saints here on earth, though never so much despised by the world; they are attended with angels, they have angels for their attendants; is it not an honour to have such attendants as these? the great ones of the earth think it an honour to have a company of glittering fellows attending upon them, and following them in reds and ribbands, and gold and silver laces. Oh the beggarly attendants of this earth, unto the attendants the Saints have, glorious angels attend them; 'twas much that Paul spake: All things are yours, whether Paul, or Apollo, or Cephas, all are yours: Paul's, or Apollo's, or Cephas's; why what were they? they were Ministers, and Ministers are called angels, angels of the Churches; but not only these angels are the Saints attendants, but heavenly angels are the Saints attendants; ah what dignity, what honour is here? who dare despise any of the Saints or people of God, although they be never so mean? you ⟨p. 15⟩see what our Saviour saith, Mat. 18. ver. 10. Take heed that you despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven: that's the first.
2ly. If these things be so, why then surely the highest enjoyment, and the meanest employment commanded may and can stand together: what meaner employment than to attend upon a man that hath a plague-sore running upon him? this the angels are to do, and they have the highest enjoyment at the same time; says he after, they always behold the face of my Father. So that then our highest enjoyments, and meanest employment commanded, may and can stand together; it may be you say, I won't go to my calling, 'tis a poor and mean calling, I shall not enjoy God in it: ay, but know this, you may enjoy God in the lowest employment: the highest enjoyment and the meanest employment commanded, may and can stand together; that's the second.