A learned and very useful commentary on the whole epistle to the Hebrews wherein every word and particle in the original is explained ... : being the substance of thirty years Wednesdayes lectures at Black-fryers, London / by that holy and learned divine Wiliam Gouge ... : before which is prefixed a narrative of his life and death : whereunto is added two alphabeticall tables ...

§. 157. Of Christs not assuming the nature of Angels.

OF Angels we have largely spoken on Chap. 1. §. 81, &c.

This phrase, he took not Angels, is here set down in opposition to that kinde of nature which Christ assumed to him. This particle of opposition * 1.1 BUT, in∣tends as much.

It shews that what Christ did not for Angels, he did for man: and what he did fo•…•… man, he did not for Angels.

•…•…▪ This negative, he took not on him the nature of Angels, is here premised for weighty reasons.

• 1. In reference to the fifth verse, where it is said that God put not in sub∣jection unto the Angels the world to come. Here a reason thereof is shewed: namely, because Christ was not one with Angels, he took not upon him their nature.
• 2. It giveth an instance of Gods Soveraignty and Justice. For God hath power to leave sinners in that miserable estate whereunto they have implunged them∣selves: and justly may he so do: for thus in justice hath he dealt with the Angels that sinned. The Angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habita∣tion, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darknesse unto the judgement of the great day, Jude v. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 4.
• 3. To amplifie Gods mercy to man. It is a very great amplification of mercy that it is such a mercy as is not extended to others: though those other stood in as much need thereof, Psal. 147. 20.
• ...

• 4. It demonstrateth more fully the kinde of nature which Christ assumed: that it was not an Angelicall, a spirituall, a celestiall nature, as some Hereticks have imagined. See §. 140.

This word Angels is indefinitely to be taken, with reference to all sorts of An∣gels good or bad. It sheweth, that the good Angels had not so much honour con∣serred upon them as man had: namely to be one with Christ. In this respect even the good Angels are inferiour to Saints: for they are sent forth to Minister for them, Heb. 1. 14.

It sheweth also that evil Angels have not that mercy shewed unto them, which men have: namely to have the Son of God in their nature, a Saviour, to save them.

This negative that Christ took not on him the nature of Angels, refutes the* 1.2 opinion of the Chiliasts or Millinaries, who hold that the very devils shall be relea∣sed out of hell after a 1000 years. None can be freed but by Christ: but with Christ they have nothing to do. See more hereof in my Treatise of the sin against the holy Ghost. §. 29, 30, 31.

Notes

• * 1.1

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.2

  Chi•…•…asts re∣sured.