A Practical Commentary on the Epistle of Jude

I do confess the Scriptures do speak somewhat sparingly of the nature or fall of Angels, it being calculated chiefly for the use of man; but some hints there are which we shall take notice of, and improve not to satisfy curiosity, but to serve profit. 1. What is this first estate from which they are departed. I answer their original condition of holiness and happiness; every creature which the Lord made, he saw it to be good, much more the Angel whom God created for his own train and company, they are called the Sons of God, Job 38. 7. because they bore his Image, and that in a more eminent degree then man, as being wholly spiritual substances, just, holy, pure, in all qualities representing God their father; 'tis said of man, thou hast made him little lower than the Angels, Psal. 8. 5. when man was at his best there was an inferiority, the image of God was given to us in a less degree, although we were placed above all visible creatures, yet then the Angels we were a little lower; that they were excellent, appeareth in that the Angelical obedience is made the pattern of ours, Matth. 6. 10. And our happiness in heaven is expressed by the condition of their nature, Matth. 22. 30. They are as the Angels of God in Heaven; yea, 'tis notable that when the Scriptures would express any excellency, they use to say 'tis fit for Angels; thus Manna is called ^*Angels food, not as if they needed food, spirits are not capable of corporal refreshments; but if so high a creature should need food, he could have no better. So the tongue of Angels 1 Cor. 13. 1. that is, with a tongue becoming creatures of so perfect an understanding; but you will say these expressions are meant of the good Angels; I answer that at their first creation, they had the same common nature and excellency, as appeareth by the name of Thrones, Dominions, and Powers, which they yet retain in common with the good Angels; yea ⟨p. 276⟩and by that power, wisdom, and knowledge which is yet left; in their innocency they were alike good, and alike happy, and could contemplate and behold God, and embrace him with delight as others did; all that is Super-natural in the good Angel, is, the grace of confirmation;