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 ...

§. 45. Of Arguments for Angels authority over the Church Answered.

THe 'forementioned point will appear more clear by Answering such Argu∣ments as are alledged to prove the authority of Angels over Christs Church.

1. Argument. Angels are stiled Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, and Powers, (Coloss. 1. 16.) all which Titles imply superiority and authority over others.

Answ.

• 1. Those Titles are used to set out the excellency and dignity of Angels, rather then their authority and command over others. They who have Dominion, Principality and Power, and who set on Thrones, are among men the most ex∣cellent. These Titles then shew that Angels are the most excellent among all creatures.
• 2. If authority be yielded unto them, yet that authority is only deputative in re∣ference to that message or work which is injoyned by them: such an authority as Kings Ambassadours and Messengers have.

2. Argum. They are called Princes of particular Countries, as of Persia and Graecia, Dan. 10. 13, 20. Now Princes have subjects put into subjection unto them.

Answ.

• 1. Persia and Graecia were then of this world: but we speak of the world to come, which is the Church.
• 2. It cannot be proved that those Princes there meant were Angels. They were the Monarchs of those Nations: as Cambises or Darius of Persia, and Alexander of Graece.

3. Argum. Michael the Angel was Prince of the Jews, Dan. 10. 12, 21.

Answ. Indeed Michael is stiled an Archangel; but thereby is meant the Head of Angels, the Lord Jesus Christ. See chap. 1. §. 83.

4. Argum. Evil Angels are Rulers of the darkness of this world, Eph. 6. 12. Why may not then good Angels be Rulers of the world to come?

Answ.

• 1. Evil Angels usurp power and authority above that which is meet: which the good Angels will never do.
• 2. The children of this world put themselves in subjection to evil Angels, and so become their slaves: but the children of the world to come will subject them∣selves to none but to Christ: no not to the good Angels.

5. Argum. The men of this world are put in subjection to Christ. Therefore the subjection of the world to come is no good proof of Christs excellency.

Answ. Though the men of this world are put into subjection to Christ, yet not after such a manner as the world to come, who are put in subjection to Christ a members to their Head: So as from their Head they receive such a spirit as makes them willingly and chearfully submit themselves to him. But the men of this world are per force made subject to Christ as to an absolute, supream, Almighty Lord over them: who can and will keep them under.

2. The Question here being principally about the Church, the Apostle thought it sufficient to exemplifie the point in the world to come.