z C of An expo(tion of the- they YA P. L do not alwayes determine thefubjetl of the ProFofition, as fometimes confeffedly they do, as John r. T. John 4.x4. Yet in this place, where in the Original all the words are left indefinitely without any prefix to dired the Empbafis unto any one of them, the fixingofthem in the Tranflationof the Apoale, andLXX. natal neceffa- rily defign the fit/jell of them orelfe by theaddition of the Article, they leave the fenfemuch moreambiguous than before, and give occafion to a great miflake in -the Interpretation of the words. z. TheApoflle (peaksof Angels ; Vnto the Angels he faith; and in all other Teffi- Monies produced byhits, that whereof he treats, hath theplace ofthe fùbjed fpoken of, and not of that which is attributed unto any thing elfe. Neither can the wordsbe freed from equivocation, ifAngels in the HI place denote the Perfbns of theAngels, and in the latter their employment only. 3. The Defign and fcope of the Apoftle requires thisCouliruaionof the words ; for his intention is to prove by this Teftimony, that the Angels are employed in filch Works andServices, and in fuck a manner as that they are no way to becompared to the Son of God, inrefped ofthat Office which as Mediator he hath undertaken; which the fenfe and conllru&ion contended for alone cloth prove. 4. TheOriginal Text requires this fenfe; for according to the common ufe ofthat Language, among words indefinitely ufed, the Alf denotes the Jubjetl fpoken of, which is Angels here ; r1 111 rxet W3 , making his Angels Spirits and in filch Propofitions oft times forcenote f fsmilitude is tobe underfiood, without which the fenfe is not compleat; and which as I have (hewed the Targumfupplyeth in this place. Fromwhatbath been laid; I fuppofe it is made evident, both that the Pfalm[ ex- prefly treats ofAngels, and that that the fubjeel fpokenof by the Apolile is expreffed in that wotd ; and that following, ofMinitters. Our next enquiry is after what is affirmed concerning thefe Angels and Miners fpokenof; And that is, that Gcdmakes them Spirits, and a flame of fire. And concern- ing the meaning of thefe words there are two Opinions. :Fria, That the Creation ofAngels is intended in the words; and the Nature whereof theywere made is expreffed in them. He made them Spirits; that is of a f iritual fubffanae; and hisHeavenly Minitiers, quick, powerful, agile, as a flamingfire ;. Some carry this fenfefarther, and affirm that two forts ofAngels are intimated ; one ofan aerial fubffance like -theWind, and the other igneal or fiery, denying all pure intelli- gences withoutmixture of matter, as the produe4of the School ofArfftsile. Butthis teems not tobe the intention -of the words; nor is the Creation of the Angels, or-thefubfiance whereof they confia, hereexpreffed. For, Fieff, TheAnalyfis ofthe Pfalm formerly touched on requires . the referring of thefe words to the Providence ofGod employingofthe Angels, and not tohis Power in making them. Secondly, The Apotile in this place bath nothing todo with the Effince and Nature of theAngels,' but with their Dignity, Honour and Employment, onwhich accounts hepreferreth theLordChrif before them. Wherefore, Seèondly,The Providence of God in difpofing and employingofAngels in his fervice is intended in thefe words ; and fo they may have a double fence ; r. That God employenh his Angels and Heavenly Minders in theProduûion of tholeWinds, á11r111, and Fire, 011 Mt Thunder and Lightnidg, whereby he exe- cuteth many judgements in the world. 2. Anoteoffimilitude maybeunderftood tocompleat the fenfe; which is expreffed in the Targum on the Pfalm; hemaktb, or fendeth his Angels like the rinds, or like a flamingfire, maketh themfpeedy, fpiritual, agil, powerful, quicklyand effectually ac- complifhing the work that is appointed unto them. Either way this is theplain intendment of the Pfalm ; that God ufethand employ- ethhis Angels in effecting the Works of his Providence here below, and they were made-to ferve theProvidenceof God in that way and manner. This faith the Apofle is theTefimony which the HolyGhoagives concerning them,their Nature,Duty and Workwherein they ferve the Providence ofGod ; But now faith he, confider what the Scripture faithconcerning the Son, how it calls himGod, how it afcribesa Throne and aKingdom untohim, (Tetlimonies whereof he produceth in the next Vert s ) and you will eatily difcernhis Preheminence above them. - But
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