Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /

But whether every one hath an Angel-Guardian, is a curious Question. Sometimes one Angel serveth many Persons, Psal. 34. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. And sometimes many Angels are about one person; 2 King. 6. 17. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots round about Elisha. And here in the Text quoted by satan, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee. There is not mention made ⟨p. 76⟩of one, but many Angels, and the Angels in general are said to be ministering spirits. When soldiers are said to watch for a City, it is not meant that every Citizen hath a Soldier to watch for him.

But whether every one hath an Angel-Guardian, is a curious Question. Sometimes one Angel serveth many Persons, Psal. 34. 7. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them. And sometimes many Angels are about one person; 2 King. 6. 17. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots round about Elisha. And here in the Text quoted by satan, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee. There is not mention made ⟨p. 76⟩of one, but many Angels, and the Angels in general are said to be ministring spirits. When souldiers are said to watch for a City, it is not meant that every Citizen hath a Souldier to watch for him.

The only place, which seemeth to countenance that Opinion, is Acts 12. 15. Then said they, it is his Angel. But if Peter had a peculiar Angel to guard him, and look after him then, when he was in great trouble, and detained in prison; it doth not follow that every person, and every where should have an Angel-Guardian. Besides an assertion in Scripture must be distinguished from men introduced speaking in Scripture; it showeth indeed, that it was the Opinion of the Jews at that time, which these holy men had imbibed and drunk in. Or it may be the word Angel is only taken for a Messenger sent from Peter; why should an Angel stand knocking at the door, who could easily make his entrance? And is it credible that the Guardian Angels do take their shape and habit, whose Angels they are? It is enough for us to believe that all the Angels are our Guardians, who are sent to keep us, and preserve us, as it pleaseth God.