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§. 92. Of the Speed of Angels.
A Sixth Property of Angels is Speed, or quicknesse in motion; By reason of* 1.1 their extraordinary speed they are said to have wings to fly, Isa. 6. 2. In the time of Daniels making a prayer, an Angel came from the highest heaven to him on earth; For in the beginning of Daniels supplication the Angel was sent forth, and while he was praying the Angel was come to him; In which respect the Angel is said to fly swiftly, Dan. 9. 21, 23.
They must needs be exceeding swift, swifter then any corporall substances in these especiall respects.
- 1. They cannot be hindred by any bodily impediments; No corporall substance can any whit stay their course, or slacken their enterprise; They can pass through and pass over all such things as would stop and hinder any bodies; as Castles, Cities, Stone-wals, Iron-gates, Rivers of waters, Seas, Woods, or any other like things.
- 2. They have no corporall gravity, nor any other like quality to slacken their motion.
- 3. They need not such space of time to pass from place to place, as bodies need; Even on a sudden they can be in divers places which are Millions of miles asunder; as the highest heaven and earth is.
- 4. They have a greater propensity and forwardnesse to do any task enjoyned by their Lord, then other creatures: This is a great means of putting them on to do what they are enjoyned with all celerity.
On these grounds we may well think that the Sun in his course cannot be swift∣er then they, nor the sight of the eye; Nor the lightning from Heaven more quick then they.
It is necessary that Angels be so quick,
- 1. Because the extreams of heaven, and betwixt heaven and earth are far remote one from another; and oft occasions are offered for Angels to go suddenly from one extream to another.
- 2. Because many Saints in the world (whose distress requires present succour) are very far distant one from another.
- 3. Because devils are very swift unto mischief; And it is meet the good Angels be as quick to protect as evill ones to annoy.