1. Angels are spirits. The substance whereof they consist is spiritual. This is1 the most excellent substance that any creature can have; and that which cometh the nearest to the divine nature: for God is a Spirit, Joh. 4. 24. A spirit is of substances the simplest, and freest from mixture and composition; the purest and finest, and every way in the kind of it, the most excellent. A spirit is not subject to grossness, drowsiness, weariness, heaviness, faintness, sickness, diminution, alteration, ⟨p. 32⟩putrefaction, consumption, or any like imperfections which bodies, as bodies, are subject unto.
2. Angels, as at first created, and so remaining, are after the image of God; the purest, holiest and readiest to all goodness, of any mere creature. In regard of their likeness to God, they are styled sons of God, Job 1. 6. In regard of their promptness to goodness, they are thus set out, Ye that do his Commandments, hearkening to the voice of his words, Psal. 103. 20.
3. Angels are the most glorious of all Gods creatures. In glory they surpass the brightness of the Sun. To set out the glory of an Angel, his countenance is said to be like lightening, and his raiment white as snow, and shining, Matth. 28. 3. Luk. 24. 4. Upon an Angels approach into a dark prison, a light is said to shine in the prison, Acts 12. 7. The glory of the Lord (that is, surpassing, incomprehensible glory) is said to shine round about upon the apparition of an Angel, Luk. 2. 9. So resplendent is an Angels brightness, as it hath much affrighted worthy Saints, Luk. 1. 12. and 2. 9. Yea St John was so amazed at the apparition of an Angel, as he fell at his feet to worship him, Rev. 19. 10. and 22. 8.
4. Angels have the highest habitations of all creatures; far above the Moon, Sun and all the glorious host of the highest visible Heaven. They are in the invisible Heavens, where the divine glory is most conspicuously manifested. In regard of the place of their residency, they are styled Angels of Heaven, Matth. 24. 36.
5. Angels have the most Honourable function: for they always behold the face of God in Heaven, Matth. 18. 10. They are as the Gentlemen of the Bedchamber to a King: they minister to the most high in an especial manner, Dan. 7. 10. Their principal attendance is upon the Son of God made man, Joh. 1. 51. and upon his mystical body, v. 14.
1. Angels are spirits. The substance whereof they consist is spirituall. This is1 the most excellent substance that any creature can have; and that which cometh the nearest to the divine nature: for God is a Spirit, Joh. 4. 24. A spirit is of substances the simplest, and freest from mixture and composition; the purest and finest, and every way in the kinde of it, the most excellent. A spirit is not subject to grosseness, drowsiness, weariness, heaviness, faintness, sickness, diminution, alteration, ⟨p. 32⟩putrifaction, consumption, or any like imperfections which bodies, as bodies, are subject unto.
2. Angels, as at first created, and so remaining, are after the image of God; the purest, holiest and readiest to all goodness, of any meer creature. In regard of their likeness to God, they are stiled sonnes of God, Iob 1. 6. In regard of their promptness to goodness, they are thus set out, Yee that do his Commandements, hearkening to the voice of his words, Psal. 103. 20.
3. Angels are the most glorious of all Gods creatures. In glory they surpass the brightness of the Sunne. To set out the glory of an Angel, his countenance is said to be like lightening, and his rayment white as snow, and shining, Matth. 28. 3. Luk. 24. 4. Upon an Angels approach into a dark prison, a light is said to shine in the prison, Acts 12. 7. The glory of the Lord (that is, surpassing, incomprehensible glory) is said to shine round about upon the apparition of an Angel, Luk. 2. 9. So resplendent is an Angels brightness, as it hath much affrighted worthy Saints, Luk. 1. 12. and 2. 9. Yea St Iohn was so amazed at the apparition of an Angel, as he fell at his feet to worship him, Rev. 19. 10. and 22. 8
- 1Excellencies of Angels.
