A51838:377
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons /
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
A51838:377
Christs temptation and transfiguration practically explained and improved in several sermons / by the late Reverend Tho. Manton ...
London printed : s.n., 1685
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.
He did so to Christ, he doth so to the people of Christ. Partly for the defence and comfort of the Godly, Ps. 34. 7. The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them, Heb. 1. 14. Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them, who shall be the heirs of Salvation. Their Ministry is now invisible but yet certain. And partly also for the terror of their Enemies. When David had said, The Lord hath chosen the hill of Zion to dwell in, Psalm 68. 16. he adds verse 17. The Chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of Angels, implying, that no Kingdom in the World hath such defence, and such potent and numerous Armies as the Church hath, and the Kingdom of Christ; God hath fixed his residence there, and the Angels serve him, and attend upon him, and he will be no less terrible to his foes in Zion, that oppose the Gospel, than he showed himself in Sinai, when he gave the Law. Where the King is there his attendants are; so ⟨p. 215⟩where Christ is the Courtiers of Heaven take up their station. Now Christ is with his Church to the end of the World; therefore these thousands of Angels are there ready to be employed by him. Now we may be sure of this Ministry.
He did so to Christ, he doth so to the people of Christ. Partly for the defence and comfort of the Godly, Ps. 34. 7. The Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them, Heb. 1. 14. Are they not all ministring spirits, sent forth to minister to them, who shall be the heirs of Salvation. Their Ministry is now invisible but yet certain. And partly also for the terror of their Enemies. When David had said, The Lord hath chosen the hill of Sion to dwell in, Psalm 68. 16. he adds verse 17. The Chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of Angels, implying, that no Kingdom in the World hath such defence, and such potent and numerous Armies as the Church hath, and the Kingdom of Christ; God hath fixed his residence there, and the Angels serve him, and attend upon him, and he will be no less terrible to his foes in Sion, that oppose the Gospel, than he shewed himself in Sinai, when he gave the Law. Where the King is there his attendants are; so ⟨p. 215⟩where Christ is the Courtiers of Heaven take up their station. Now Christ is with his Church to the end of the World; therefore these thousands of Angels are there ready to be employed by him. Now we may be sure of this Ministry.
1. They delight in the Preaching of the Gospel, and the explication of the mysteries of Godliness, 1 Pet. 1. 12. Which things the Angels desire to look into, Eph. 3. 10. To the end that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the Church the manifold Wisdom of God.
2. They delight in the Holy Conversation of the Godly; as they are offended with all impurity, filthiness, and ungodliness. If good men be offended at the sins of the wicked, as Lots righteous soul was vexed from day to day with their ungodly deeds, 2 Pet. 2. 8. much more are these holy spirits, especially when all things are irregularly carried in the worship of God, 1 Cor. 11. 10. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head, because of the Angels, 1 Tim. 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the ⟨p. 216⟩Elect Angels, that thou observe these things, without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
2. They delight in the Holy Conversation of the Godly; as they are offended with all impurity, filthyness, and ungodliness. If good men be offended at the sins of the wicked, as Lots righteous soul was vexed from day to day with their ungodly deeds, 2 Pet. 2. 8. much more are these holy spirits, especially when all things are irregularly carryed in the worship of God, 1 Cor. 11. 10. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head, because of the Angels, 1 Tim. 5. 21. I charge thee before God and the Lord Iesus Christ, and the ⟨p. 216⟩Elect Angels, that thou observe these things, without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.
3. They fight against the devil and defend the godly in their extreme dangers. When the devil cometh into the Church of God, like a Wolf into the flock, they oppose and resist him. Therefore there is said to be War in Heaven, that is in the Church between Michael and his Angels, and the devil and his Angels, Rev. 12. 7. And there was war in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his Angels. In the highest heaven there is no War. In short the Angels and Believers, make one Church, under one Head, Christ; and at length shall both live together in the same place.
3. They fight against the devil and defend the godly in their extream dangers. When the devil cometh into the Church of God, like a Wolf into the flock, they oppose and resist him. Therefore there is said to be War in Heaven, that is in the Church between Michael and his Angels, and the devil and his Angels, Rev. 12. 7. And there was war in heaven, Michael and his Angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon fought and his Angels. In the highest heaven there is no War. In short the Angels and Believers, make one Church, under one Head, Christ; and at length shall both live together in the same place.
Why doth God make use of the Ministry of Angels? and how far?
1. To manifest unto them the greatness, and glory of his work in the recovering Mankind, that their delight in the Love and Wisdom of God may be increased. All holy Creatures delight in any manifestation of God, the Angels more especially, 1 Pet. ⟨p. 217⟩1. 12. Which things the angels desire to look into. And Eph. 3. 11. To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places may be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God. Though they themselves be not the parties interested, the spectators not the guests; yet they are delighted in the glory of God, and are kindly affectionated to the salvation of lost men; and that they may have a nearer view of this mystery God gratifieth them by sending them often to attend upon the dispensation of the Gospel, and to assist in it so far, as is meet for Creatures. They are present in our Assemblies; see 1 Cor. 11. 10. 1 Tim. 5. 21. they see who is negligent in his office, who hindereth the preaching of the Gospel; they observe what is the success of it, and when it obtaineth its effect; Luk. 15. 7. There shall be joy in heaven over one sinner that repeateth. They are hereby more excited to praise and glorify God, and are careful to vouchsafe their attendance about the meanest that believe in him, Psal. 91. 11, 12. He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
1. To manifest unto them the greatness, and glory of his work in the recovering Mankind, that their delight in the Love and Wisdom of God may be increased. All holy Creatures delight in any manifestation of God, the Angels more especially,
2. To maintain a society and communion between all the parts of the family of God. When God gathered together the things in Heaven and in Earth, he brought all into subjection and dependence upon one common head, Jesus Christ; Eph. 1. 10. That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. Men by Adoption, Angels by Transition are taken into the family of Christ. Now there is some intercourse between the several parts thereof; our goodness extendeth not to them, but is confined to the Saints on earth, in whom should be our delight, yet their help may be useful to us, they being such excellent and glorious Creatures; But we are forbidden to invoke them, or trust in them. God doth employ them in the Affairs of his people. Their help is not the fruit of our trust in them, but their obedience to God; and it is seen in frustrating the endeavours of Satan and his Instruments, and other services wherein Christ employeth them. God showed this to Jacob in the Vision of the Ladder, which stood upon Earth, and the top reached to heaven, a figure of the Providence of God, especially in and about the ⟨p. 219⟩Gospel, Joh. 1. 51. Hereafter you shall see the heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the son of man. To carry on the work of the Gospel, and to promote the glory and interest of Christs Kingdom in the World. Thus far in the general we may be confident of.
2. To maintain a society and communion between all the parts of the family of God. When God gathered together the things in Heaven and in Earth, he brought all into subjection and dependance upon one common head, Jesus Christ; Eph. 1. 10. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. Men by Adoption, Angels by Transition are taken into the family of Christ. Now there is some intercourse between the several parts thereof; our goodness extendeth not to them, but is confined to the Saints on earth, in whom should be our delight, yet their help may be useful to us, they being such excellent and glorious Creatures; But we are forbidden to invoke them, or trust in them. God doth imploy them in the Affairs of his people. Their help is not the fruit of our trust in them, but their obedience to God; and it is seen in frustrating the endeavors of Satan and his Instruments, and other services wherein Christ employeth them. God shewed this to Iacob in the Vision of the Ladder, which stood upon Earth, and the top reached to heaven, a figure of the Providence of God, especially in and about the
3. To preserve his people from many dangers and casualties, which fall not within the foresight of man, God employeth the watchers, as they are called in the book of Daniel, chap. 4. 13, 17. for he is tender of his people, and doth all things by proper means. Now the Angels having a larger foresight than we, they are appointed to be Guardians. This they do according to Gods pleasure, preventing many dangers, which we could by no means foresee. They observe the devil in all his walks, and God useth them to prevent his sudden surprisals of his people, as Instances are many.
3. To preserve his people from many dangers and casualties, which fall not within the foresight of man, God imployeth the watchers, as they are called in the book of Daniel, chap. 4. 13, 17. for he is tender of his people, and doth all things by proper means. Now the Angels having a larger foresight than we, they are appointed to be Guardians. This they do according to Gods pleasure, preventing many dangers, which we could by no means foresee. They observe the devil in all his walkes, and God useth them to prevent his sudden surprizals of his people, as Instances are many.
4. Because they are witnesses of the Obedience and Fidelity of Christs disciples, and so far as God permitteth, they cannot but assist them in their conflicts. Thus Paul, 1 Cor. 4. 9. We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels and to men. ⟨p. 220⟩Now the Angels, that are witnesses to their combats and sufferings, cannot but make report to God, Mat. 18. 10. Take heed that ye 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. The Angels which are appointed by God to be their Guardians have their continual recourses and returns to Gods glorious presence. Now being so high in Gods favour, and having continual access to make their requests and complaints known to him, they will not be silent in the behalf of their fellow-servants, that either the trial may be lessened, or grace sufficient may be given to them.
4. Because they are witnesses of the Obedience and Fidelity of Christs disciples, and so far as God permitteth, they cannot but assist them in their conflicts. Thus Paul, 1 Cor. 4. 9. We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels and to men. ⟨p. 220⟩Now the Angels, that are witnesses to their combates and sufferings, cannot but make report to God, Mat. 18. 10. Take heed that ye 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. The Angels which are appointed by God to be their Guardians have their continual recourses and returns to Gods glorious presence. Now being so high in Gods favour, and having continual access to make their requests and complaints known to him, they will not be silent in the behalf of their fellow-servants, that either the trial may be lessened, or grace sufficient may be given to them.
5. They do not only keep off hurt, but there are many blessings and benefits, that we are partakers of by their ministry. As the Angel of the Lord delivered Peter out of Prison, Acts 12. 7. And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison; and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly; and his chains fell off from his hands, &c. but he doth not give thanks to the Angel, but to God, ver. 11. Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath ⟨p. 221⟩delivered me, &c. He directeth it to God, not to the creature. The Angels do us many favours, all the thanks we do them is, that we do not offend them by our sins against God, other gratitude, they expect not.
6. Their last office is at Death and Judgment. In death to convey our souls to Christ, Luk. 16. 22. And it came to pass, that the beggar dyed, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom, that so we may enjoy our rest in heaven. In the last day they will gather the bodies of Christs Redeemed ones from all parts of the World, after they have been resolved into dust, and mingled with the dust of other men, that every Saint may have his own body again, wherein he hath obeyed and glorified God. Matth. 24. 31. And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. That is, from all parts and quarters of the World, that their Souls may return to their old beloved habitations, and then both in body and in soul they may be for ever with the Lord.
Now this is a great comfort to the Church and People of God, when the Powers and Principalities on earth are employed against them, to consider, what Powers and Principalities attend upon Christ. We serve such a Master, as hath authority over the holy Angels, to employ them at his pleasure, and in their darkest condition his people feel the benefit of it. As the Angel of the Lord appeared to Paul in a dreadful storm, Acts 27. 23, 24. There stood by me this night the angel of the Lord, whose I am, and whom I serve; saying, Fear not Paul, &c. So to Christ in his Agonies, Luk. 22. 43. There appeared an angel to him from heaven strengthening him. So against Satan, the good Angels are ready to comfort us, as the evil Angels are ready to trouble and tempt us. Let us then look to God, at whose direction they are sent to help and comfort us.
Now this is a great comfort to the Church and People of God, when the Powers and Principalities on earth are employed against them, to consider, what Powers and Principalities attend upon Christ. We serve such a Master, as hath authority over the holy Angels, to employ them at his pleasure, and in their darkest condition his people feel the benefit of it. As the Angel of the Lord appeared to Paul in a dreadful storm, Acts 27. 23, 24. There stood by me this night the angel of the Lord, whose I am, and whom I serve; saying, Fear not Paul, &c. So to Christ in his Agonies, Luk. 22. 43. There appeared an angel to him from heaven strengthning him. So against Satan, the good Angels are ready to comfort us, as the evil Angels are ready to trouble and tempt us. Let us then look to God, at whose direction they are sent to help and comfort us.