A brief commentary upon the CIII Psalme with the severall axiomes or doctrines therein conteined [sic], and uses thereupon inferred.

2 Doctrine.

The Angels excell in strength.

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that excell.]* 1.1 of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to prevaile or excell above others. Now whereas it is ma∣nifest, 1 that the most potent Angels are infinitely inferiour unto God (as their very names import, Michael, who as god, Gae∣briel,

God is my strength &c.) 2 that any Angel is farre stronger then the strongest of men or mortall creatures (and so, that it makes litle to the setting forth their strength, to say they are stronger then these) therefore the comparison here intimated seemes to be between the principall Angels and the rest, and so to confirme the distinction mentioned in the former Doctrine. Thus whereas S. Peter and S. Jude speak of the same thing (blaspheming of Dignities) and use the same argument, viz. that private men should be afraid (or tremble 2 Pet. 2.10.) to speak e∣vil of those in authority, seeing the blessed Angel durst not (〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Jud. 9.) do so to the devil: S. Peter 2 ep. 2.11. saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the An∣gels which are greater (that is, then the rest of the Angels) in power and might; S. Jude more fully explaining the story saith expresse∣ly, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Michael the Archangel.

That there are Angels excelling in strength,* 1.2 see 2 Thes. 1.7. Revel. 10.1. & 18.21.

And this their strength they have from God their Creatour,* 1.3 Who is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the mighty one Deut. 10.17. and gives strength to all His creatures as it pleaseth Him.

Uses.

Now if the Angels be so strong,* 1.4 then 1 How strong is God! The Angels are called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of their strength. But God is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the Strong one (as Junius commonly trans∣lates it Deus fortis) and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as before 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

2 See how much our nature is ennobled in Christ the Mediatour, Who is made farre more excellent then the Angels, Hebr. 1.4. Whose ministers they are, vers. 7. and Whom they are all commanded to worship, vers. 6.

3 See the admirable goodnesse of God, Who hath given such mighty and glorious creatures to be our keepers, yea to minister for our sakes, Hebr. 1.14.

This may terrify Gods enemies,* 1.5 and the enemies of His children.

And on the other side it may comfort His children against the power, malice, craft,* 1.6 and vigilancy of the devil, and against all other dangers.

Let us labour to excell in spirituall strength.* 1.7 Motiv. 1 Our naturall strength is litle worth, Psal. 90.10. 2 The duties of religion are necessarily to be performed, and afflictions (which will follow thereupon) are valiantly to be endured, Act. 14.22. 2 Tim. 3.12. Hebr. 12.6, 7, 8. But neither can those

be rightly done nor these rightly borne with∣out spirituall strength. Which may be proved both from the greatnesse of the things to be done and suffred, and from the number and strength of our adversaries. Hence the Apostle praies for the Colossians, that they may be strengthened with all might &c. Chap. 1.11. Nor should we be content with some small measure, but endeavour to excell in spirituall strength; not enviously repining at others, but in a holy emulation striving to outstrip the best. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. It is a good contention, when we strive who shall be best, most humble, learned, obedient to God and our superiours &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Explic.
• * 1.2

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.3

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.4

  Instr.
• * 1.5

  Repr.
• * 1.6

  Consol.
• * 1.7

  Exhort.