6. That every single believer hath his proper and allotted Angel to attend him from his birth to his death, is rather matter of problem and dispute, than positive assertion; there are some Scriptures make it probable▪ but not certain; sometimes we read of one Angel attending many men▪ and at other times of many Angels attending one man, as Jacob had many, Gen. 32. 1, 2. Gods Host, &c. so Elisha, 2▪ Kings 6. 17. Elisha prayed and the Mountains were full of Chariots and Horses of fire, that is, that is of Angels coming to offer help in that ⟨p. 367⟩case: 'Tis true, the opinion of a particular Angel Guardian was ancient, Plato saith, [Greek or Hebrew], and among the ancient Fathers, places of Scripture are brought for it, that are full of probability, not cogency; one is that of the old Testament, Gen. 48. 16. The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the Lads, &c. in which passage he seemeth to ascribe his preservation and deliverance to▪ some particular Angel; but to this may be replied what was before alleged of the Host of God, going along with him, and by this Angel is meant the Lord Christ, who is alone the object of worship, and adoration; and who because of the frequency of his personal appearance and mediation between God and man, is set forth under the term of an Angel: The Rabbins expound it of the Angel of Gods presence: Another place is, Mat. 18. 10. Their Angels see my Fathers face, not the Angels, but their Angels; but the word there may only imply their common interest in the whole Host of God; Christ doth not say that every one of them hath an Angel: as for instance, it may be said, these Prisoners have their Keepers, these Scholars have their Masters, these Soldiers have their Captains, it doth not follow that every one hath a particular Keeper, Master, Captain, &c. Another place is Acts 12. 15. When the Maid said Peter was at the door, they distrusting her report, said, 'tis his Angel; This place may be answered thus, That sayings of men in Scripture are not all Scripture, or a part of our rule; and that many things were spoken by the Disciples in their rudeness, which are not altogether justifiable; but because this place is the main▪ let me examine it a little: Three opinions there are about the place: Some understand it *Appellativ•ly, 'tis his Angel, or Messenger, sent by him out of Prison.
6. That every single beleever hath his proper and alotted Angel to attend him from his birth to his death, is rather matter of problem and dispute, than positive assertion; there are some Scriptures make it probable▪ but not certain; sometimes we read of one Angel attending many men▪ and at other times of many Angels attending one man, as Jacob had many, Gen. 32. 1, 2. Gods Host, &c. so Elisha, 2▪ Kings 6. 17. Elisha prayed and the Mountains were full of Chariots and Horses of fire, that is, that is of Angels comming to offer help in that ⟨p. 367⟩case: 'Tis true, the opinion of a particular Angel Guardion was antient, Plato saith, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, and among the ancient Fathers, places of Scripture are brought for it, that are full of probability, not cogency; one is that of the old Testament, Gen. 48. 16. The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the Lads, &c. in which passage he seemeth to ascribe his preservation and deliverance to▪ some particular Angel; but to this may be replied what was before alledged of the Host of God, going along with him, and by this Angel is meant the Lord Christ, who is alone the object of worship, and adoration; and who because of the frequency of his personal appearance and mediation between God and man, is set forth under the term of an Angel: The Rabbines expound it of the Angel of Gods presence: Another place is, Mat. 18. 10. Their Angels see my Fathers face, not the Angels, but their Angels; but the word there may only imply their common interest in the whole Host of God; Christ doth not say that every one of them hath an Angel: as for instance, it may be said, these Prisoners have their Keepers, these Scholars have their Masters, these Souldiers have their Captains, it doth not follow that every one hath a particular Keeper, Master, Captain, &c. Another place is Acts 12. 15. When the Maid said Peter was at the door, they distrusting her report, said, 'tis his Angel; This place may be answered thus, That sayings of men in Scripture are not all Scripture, or a part of our rule; and that many things were spoken by the Disciples in their rudeness, which are not altogether justifiable; but because this place is the main let me examine it a little: Three opinions there are about the place: Some understand it
- *Johns Disciples are called [Greek or Hebrew], Angels, or Messengers of John Luke 7. 24.Johns Disciples are called 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, Angels, or Messengers of John Luke 7. 24.
