If any man muse why the Angels should be called Beasts, let him be resolved with these four reasons. First, because they are compared to beasts before, as the Lyon, Calf,1 &c. Secondly, because Ezekiel called them so, in as much as they draw Gods Chariot of triumph. Thirdly, because the Prophet Zechariah compareth them to red, speckled,2 and white Horses. Fourthly, because the same Prophet calleth them Gods Coach-horses, and the multitudes and societies of them, he calleth Gods Chariots, which came out of two mountains of brass: that is, they went forth at his decree (which ⟨p. 111⟩standeth as fast, and unremovable as a Mountain of Brass) to comfort and deliver his Church out of the captivity of Babylon, and also to succour and help the remnant which were left behind in Judea. Now in the Prophets, these Chariots and Chariot horses are said to carry the Almighty most swiftly throughout all the world. And therefore in Zechariah it is said of the Angels:3 These are they which go through the whole world. In Ezekiel it is said, that the beasts ran, 4and returned like lightning. And again, that they sparkled like the appearance of bright brass: and the wheels of Gods Chariots were moved with inconceivable swiftness, even as fast as the Angels did fly. Let these reasons and Scriptures then satisfy us touching this, that the Angels are called beasts. After all this, one of the 24. Elders asketh John what they were, and from whence they came,5 which were thus arrayed in long white Robes. Which question is asked of the Elder, not as being ignorant thereof; but to stir up John, being ignorant, to enquire of the matter, that he might instruct him therein. And therefore when John confessed his ignorance, desiring to be instructed therein, the Elder telleth him the whole matter; namely, that ⟨p. 112⟩they were such as were come out of great tribulation. 6For none can enter into life, but through many afflictions, as the Apostle saith. After this again, the militant and visible Church is described and set forth, not according to their present state, but according to that which is to come;7 for they are here spoken of, as if they were already in the possession of Heaven, and that for the infallible certainty and assurance thereof. Therefore the Apostle saith, that even already they do sit together in heavenly places.
If any man muse why the Angels should be called Beasts, let him be resolved with these foure reasons. First, because they are compared to beasts before, as the Lyon, Calfe,1 &c. Secondly, because Ezechiel called them so, in as much as they draw Gods Chariot of triumph. Thirdly, because the Prophet Zachary compareth them to red, speckled,2 and white Horses. Fourthly, because the same Prophet calleth them Gods Coach-horses, and the multitudes and societies of them, he calleth Gods Chariots, which came out of two mountaines of brasse: that is, they went forth at his decree (which ⟨p. 111⟩standeth as fast, and unremoveable as a Mountaine of Brasse) to comfort and deliver his Church out of the captivity of Babylon, and also to succour and helpe the remnant which were left behind in Judea. Now in the Prophets, these Chariots and Chariothorses are sayd to carry the Almighty most swiftly throughout all the world. And therefore in Zachary it is said of the Angels:3 These are they which goe thorow the whole world. In Ezechiel it is said, that the beasts ran, 4and returned like lightning. And againe, that they sparkled like the appearance of bright brasse: and the wheeles of Gods Chariots were mooved with inconceiveable swiftnesse, even as fast as the Angels did flye. Let these reasons and Scriptures then satisfie us touching this, that the Angels are called beasts. After all this, one of the 24. Elders asketh John what they were, and from whence they came,5 which were thus arraied in long white Robes. Which question is asked of the Elder, not as being ignorant thereof; but to stirre up John, being ignorant, to enquire of the matter, that he might instruct him therein. And therefore when John confessed his ignorance, desiring to be instructed therein, the Elder telleth him the whole matter; namely, that ⟨p. 112⟩they were such as were come out of great tribulation. 6For none can enter into life, but through many afflictions, as the Apostle saith. After this againe, the militant and visible Church is described and set forth, not according to their present state, but according to that which is to come;
- 1Ezec. 1.
- 2Zach. 1.8.
- 3Zac. 1.10.
- 4Eze. 1.14. verse 7.
- 5Ver. 13.
- 6Verse 14.
- 7Ver. 15.16.
