2. This must be also considered, that the eminent and extraordinary passions and affections in the soul do discover themselves in the body, especially in the Face; for it is said of Stephen, that when he was heightened into a great zeal for Christ, Acts 6. 15. That all that sate in the Council looking steadfastly upon him saw his face, as it had been the face of an Angel. Angels have not Bodies or Faces, but they often assume Bodies and then they appear with a glorious and bright ⟨p. 32⟩countenance as the Angel of the Lord, that appeared at the Sepulchre, Mark 28. 3. His countenance was like lightning, and his Raiment white as Snow. Now such a glory and gladness did God put upon the countenance of his servant Stephen, that he looked like an Angel; something extraordinary there might be in the case, but yet there was an ordinary reason for it. Stephens mind was filled with such an incredible solace in the sense of Gods love, that he showed no troubledness, but a mind so unconcerned and freed from all Fear and sorrow, as if he had been among the Angels of God in full Glory, and not among his Enemies who sought his blood, and so may God raise the Hearts of his people sometimes, as if they had put their heads above the Clouds, and were in the midst of the Glory of the World to come among his blessed ones. If that were extraordinary, Solomon tells us Eccles. 8. 1. That a mans wisdom maketh his Face to shine, as it gives him readiness and tranquility of mind, and cheerfulness of countenance, guilt and shame cast down the countenance, but Righteousness and Wisdom embolden it more particularly in prayer; as our confidence and joy in God is increased, it bewrayeth it self in the countenance, Psal. 34. 15. They looked unto ⟨p. 33⟩him, and were lightened and their faces were not ashamed, they are revived and encouraged and come away from the Throne of Grace other manner of Persons then they came to it.
2. This must be also considered, that the eminent and extraordinary passions and affections in the soul do discover themselves in the body, especially in the Face; for it is said of Stephen, that when he was heightned into a great zeal for Christ, Acts 6. 15. That all that sate in the Council looking stedfastly upon him saw his face, as it had been the face of an Angel. Angels have not Bodies or Faces, but they often assume Bodies and then they appear with a glorious and bright ⟨p. 32⟩countenance as the Angel of the Lord, that appeared at the Sepulchre, Mark 28. 3. His countenance was like lightning, and his Raiment white as Snow. Now such a glory and gladness did God put upon the countenance of his servant Stephen, that he looked like an Angel; something extraordinary there might be in the case, but yet there was an ordinary reason for it. Stephens mind was filled with such an incredible solace in the sence of Gods love, that he shewed no troubledness, but a mind so unconcerned and freed from all Fear and sorrow, as if he had been among the Angels of God in full Glory, and not among his Enemies who sought his blood, and so may God raise the Hearts of his people sometimes, as if they had put their heads above the Clouds, and were in the midst of the Glory of the World to come among his blessed ones. If that were extraordinary, Solomon tells us Eccles. 8. 1. That a mans wisdom maketh his Face to shine, as it gives him readiness and tranquility of mind, and chearfulness of countenance, guilt and shame cast down the countenance, but Righteousness and Wisdom embolden it more particularly in prayer; as our confidence and joy in God is increased, it bewrayeth it self in the countenance, Psal. 34. 15. They looked unto ⟨p. 33⟩him, and were lightned and their faces were not ashamed, they are revived and incouraged and come away from the Throne of Grace other manner of Persons then they came to it.
