In the next place, somewhat may be observed from the stile and Character of this Angel, Michael the Arch-Angel▪ That there is an order among the Angels, both good and bad; they have their distinct heads, we read of Michael, and we read of Beelzebub; there is an order in Hell, thence that expression, Mat. 25. 41. The Devil and his Angels, which seemeth to intimate a Prince among the unclean spirits; ⟨p. 373⟩much more is there an order among the good Angels. God that made all things in order, would not endure confusion among those heavenly Creatures, for that would seem to infringe their happiness: but now to define this Order, and the several degrees of it, were but to intrude our selves into things we have not seen, Col. 2. 19. *Cyril calleth it [Greek or Hebrew], the domineering of bold spirits: The School-men take upon them as if they knew all the particulars of their government and distinction; but in things not revealed there can be no certainty; the Apostle indeed speaketh of several ranks of invisible Creatures, Col. 1. 16. Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, and Powers; but who can particularly define their Office and Order? a distinction there is, but what it is we know not: however, the general consideration is useful. Partly to show us the necessity of order and subordination, no Creatures can subsist without it; they that are against Magistracy, are against peace and happiness; the Angels and Devils are not without their Heads and Princes. Partly to represent to us the Majesty of God; He hath Angels, and Arch-Angels, Thrones' Dominions, Principalities and Powers; our eyes are dazzled at the magnificence and lustre of earthly Kings, when we see them surrounded with Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls, and Barons: Oh what poor things are these to those Orders and degrees of Angels, with which God is environed? Partly to acquaint us with the happiness of the everlasting estate: 'Tis the misery of the wicked, that they shall be cast out with the Devil and his Angels, and our happiness that we shall make up one Church and Assembly, with Angels, and Arch-Angels, Heb. 12,
In the next place, somewhat may be observed from the stile and Character of this Angel, Michael the Arch-Angel▪ That there is an order among the Angels, both good and bad; they have their distinct heads, we read of Michael, and we read of Beelzebub; there is an order in Hell, thence that expression, Mat. 25. 41. The Divel and his Angels, which seemeth to intimate a Prince among the unclean spirits; ⟨p. 373⟩much more is there an order among the good Angels. God that made all things in order, would not endure confusion among those heavenly Creatures, for that would seem to infringe their happiness: but now to define this Order, and the several degrees of it, were but to intrude our selves into things we have not seen, Col. 2. 19. *Cyril calleth it 〈non-Latin alphabet〉, the domineering of bold spirits: The School-men take upon them as if they knew all the particulars of their government and distinction; but in things not revealed there can be no certainty; the Apostle indeed speaketh of several ranks of invisible Creatures, Col. 1. 16. Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, and Powers; but who can particularly define their Office and Order? a distinction there is, but what it is we know not: however, the general consideration is useful. Partly to shew us the necessity of order and subordination, no Creatures can subsist without it; they that are against Magistracy, are against peace and happiness; the Angels and Devils are not without their Heads and Princes. Partly to represent to us the Majesty of God; He hath Angels, and Arch-Angels, Thrones' Dominions, Principalities and Powers; our eyes are dazled at the magnificence and lustre of earthly Kings, when we see them surrounded with Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls, and Barons: Oh what poor things are these to those Orders and degrees of Angels, with which God is invironed? Partly to acquaint us with the happiness of the everlasting estate: 'Tis the misery of the wicked, that they shall be cast out with the Devil and his Angels, and our happiness that we shall make up one Church and Assembly, with Angels, and Arch-Angels, Heb. 12,
- *See Rivets Cathol. Orthodox. de Aug. Grad.
