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Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
church_n	apostle_n	believe_v	holy_a	5,671	5	4.8590	4	true

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ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A81481	The deputation of angels, or, The angell-guardian: I. Proved by the dim light of nature, clear beames of Scriptures, and consent of many ancient and modern writers, untainted with popery. II. Cleared from many rubs and mistakes; the criticall queries of antagonists examined, untyed. III. Applyed and improved, for our information in many other truths; consolation in our adversities; and reformation of our lives. Chiefly grounded on Acts 12. 15. It is his angell. / By Robert Dingley, M.A. and minister of the word at Brixton in the isle of Wight; formerly Fellow of Magdalen Colledge in Oxford.	Dingley, Robert, 1619-1660.	1653 (1653)	Wing D1496; Thomason E1505_2; ESTC R208670	88,111	239

is loosned For there is a Time when the most serious and Religious may be cheerfully pleasant But this was said at a time of Prayer in all likelyhood joyned with fasting for Peters deliverance And in a Place where the Church was gathered together Acts 12.5.12 for that end Now certainly Traditionall Fables and inconsiderat Fancies would little become so many Christians in a time of Prayer and in a place which though private in it selfe ceased to be private fo long as the Church was there and then assembled Solomon saith There is a Time to weep and a time to laugh so I may affirme There is a time to be merrily disposed and declare the conceipts and fancies of men And a time to watch over the Tongue and buckle the Heart to all gravity and soberness Senec. Festis convenit Hilaritas even Seneca could see and say by the light of morality Let such therefore beware of Temerity that account and vote our Text a merry word a frothy Tradition uttered at Randum by some Ignorant or Inconsiderat Disciple when neither the time nor place would suit with such Frolicks The old saying was Inter prandendum hilaris esto not inter orandum 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unseasonable things are absurd and will displease God and good men We gather then from the time and place of uttering the Text that it was the received judgement and Doctrine of the Primitive Christians Thirdly 3 The manner of speaking an other Circumstance may be drawn from the Manner of speaking it which was not conjecturall or doubting but positive and express in few Bernard not many words It is his Angell Nil tam cito manifestam facit veritatem quam brevis Narratio saith a Father Things that are not so Generally received are attended with peradventure it may be who can tell And the like Hesitant speeches They say not perhaps men have Tutelar Angells but It is his Angell And dare the people of God be so confident in things which they doubt Fourthly and lastly There is yet another Circumstance The Recording it by Saint Lukes Golden quill 4 The recording is by Luke without which though the Church did speak and beleive it We had not known their beleife in this Point 'T was I say Recorded by Saint Luke an eminent and holy Evangelist who did not record all things that passed but the most weighty and materiall both in the Gospell and Acts of the Apostles Though he was not an Apostle yet Apostolical saith Tertullian Tertul. Advers Marcion lib. 4. cap. 2 He whose prayse is in the Gospell throughout all the Churches for Hierom thinks that Brother was Luke He so eminent in grace Beza in 2 Cor. 8.18 learning of Wisdome was immediatly inspired by God to transmit the Deputation of Angells as the Primitive Doctrine unto us on whom the ends of the World are come Let the Reader put all this together and Note it well That a Church of most serious knowing and devout Christians being met together for Prayer and Fasting did then generally and peremptorily in the most pure Christall and untainted times declare the Doctrine of Angells Deputation which Saint Luke also approoved and judged fit to be conveyed and handed to us as the Primitive Doctrine The Scripture no where else contradicting it but often consenting thereto And then certainly this will amount not only to a probable conjecture but an infallible Demonstration That there is some such thing as a particular and Guardian Angell Having thus viewed the circumstantiall attend●nts on this Text The severall Expositions of the Text. which are as Grains of allowance to make our Goulden Truth current we now begin to settle on the Marrow and substance of the words IT IS HIS ANGELL There are five severall Expositions chiefly of this Text. See Salmeron and learned Dr. Hamond on the Text. 1. Some understand it of a Messenger which the Disciples supposed Peter had sent unto them on some Message or errand But with the leave of those Expositors and after the payment of that Tribute which is due to their learning How doth this agree with the context And with Rhodas owning of Peters voice Men are distinguished by their voyces as much as by their Faces 'T is like his very knock we known to her Note Corbet in a Sermon on 1 Cor. 1.27 P. 11. but much more his Voice Act. 12.14 It is said that Rhoda knew Peters voice And at the 15 verse she constantly affirmed that 't was even so It is an eminent outgoing of Divine Providence to give so many millions of millions a Distinct Face and Voice by which the Husband knowes his wife The Father his child the Creditor his Debtor and the Magistrate the Delinquent in a word by which we know our friends from our enemies and without which Treason Incest Parricide and confusion would overwhelme the World Again Peter was now a close Prisoner under many Guards bound with Chaines His Keepers say some bound in the same chaine with him And this was the Eve before his intended execution T is probable then He was not in a condition of sending Servants and Messengers to his friends or of hearing from them Such imprisonments as so suddenly expire in the death of Traytors seldome give so much liberty to the Restreyned Lastly although the word ANGEL signifies a Messenger and so hath bin used when † Mat. 11.10 Rev. 2.1 not applyed unto an Angell yet the Disciples in case they had discented from this Truth would have used another word for Messenger rather 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 then 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on Purpose to bolt out this Received opinion Hyeronymits in Isa cap. 6. Roberts Key of the Bible P. 160. or at least Saint Luke in relating it would have done it seeing not only Saint Hierom on Isaiah but his very style say the Learned do evidence he was exactly skillfull in the Greek tongue and saith Causabon observed a more pure Hellenisme then the rest of the Evangelists I say Saint Luke so excellent a Grecian could have used an other word for Messenger if the Deputation of Angells had not suited with his judgment especially considering and well knowing as Grotius saith that this opinion was generally received among Jews and Christians Grotius in Acts 12.15 p. 314. A second Interpretation of the Text is this * Leighs Treatise of Div. lib. 3. cap. 7. Some say the men spake according to the Vulgar saying and tradition not according to the truth or as themselves beleeved As an instance is given concerning the blind man when they asked whether he or his Parents had sinned that he should be born blind How could he sin Actually before he was born What a strange Question was this But you must know there was an * So Beza Grotius Diodati and others tell us Aug. de Civ Dei lib. 9. cap. 11. Opinion that found generall reception which

before you Or little in grace parts and esteem as some of my Disciples Or little in their * Qui deposita altitudine se ad Modestiam ultroneam subjectionem composuerint Marlorat in Mat. 18.10 own eyes as all my Elect I say each of them is great in the eyes of God and hath a particular Angel to attend and guard him The third Scripture Proof for the Guardian-Angel is this in the Text 3 Scripture proof Acts 12.15 Acts 12.15 Behold what Christ himselfe taught the Primitive Christians do believe and declare It is his Angell They were not Heathens that spake this but Christians well instructed in the faith Not Christians infected with Errors But sound Christians in the most pure and Primitive Times Not spoken rashly by the Maid-servant Rhoda but by the Church at Ierusalem and that at a time and in a place of worship for they were assembled to pray for Peter Then it was not a conjecturall * Loquantur de petri Angelo ut de re minime nova aut ambigua Beza in Acts 12.15 p. 332. but positive speech And the golden quil of St. Luke recorded it among the grave Acts and sayings of the Apostes and Primitive Christians without the addition of any dislike or dissent as you have seen already To all which let me add that this Doctrine of Angels Deputation was not only believed and declared by the Church at Ierusalem but also it was confirmed by St Peter himself that great and famous Apostle one of the Life-guard of Christ one of his bosome Disciples one that was present at his Transfiguration and one that Christ had a very speciall eye of favour upon On the doctrine of whose reasonable and brave confession hee resolved to build his Church and to whom the Lord did shew singular kindnesse next unto Iohn Mar. 16.7 Tell his Disciples Peter that he is risen and goeth before you into Galile And lastly Peter that was chiefly concerned in this affair For they spake of his Angel If therefore Peter himself will be so farr from checking them for this saying as to ratifie and confirm it who can any longer demur his sealing of this point But Peter did acknowledg the Deputation of Angels Acts 12.11 Acts 12.11 When Peter came to himself he said Now I know of a surety that the Lord hath sent his Angel and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod 1. One Angel came to him shall wee question but it was his Angel-guardian 2. 'T was by deputation and appointment the Lord hath sen● him 3. 'T was to comfort and deliver him out of prison and give him in to the prayers of the Church 4. That he might be assured it was his Angel the Angel assumed a bodily shape a light shining in the Prison and he spake to Peter and smote off his chaines 5. He was herein much confirmed in our point Now I know for a certaine it is so and so Oh that such as out of zeal against Rome in pangs of mistaken zeal do oppose with some bitternes this truth would pause ponder and consider the forementioned Scriptures Then would we say with Peter Now we know for a certain that God sends unto his servants and to each of them a tutelar Angel to defend and direct them Now the objections against this last Scripture were answered in the severall expositions of this Text and therefore here we shall passe them over Thirdly and lastly 3 The Point by consent of ancient modern Writers we come now to give you the confirmation of this point by the joynt assent of many ancient and modern Writers untainted with Popish leven And here we shall consider two things 1. That this evidence is not vain 2. That of these evidences there are store 1. That the judgment of Antiquity viz. of learned pious and Orthodox Writers in severall ages doth tend very much to the right understanding of Scripture-truth We doe not say that * See Iohn Daille of the right use of the Fathers Antiquity the opinion of the Fathers and humane tradition are infallible signs pillars of Truth or that they are equall with the Scripture or that Generall Councels cannot erre Or finally that there is not such a thing as Antiquity of Errour But this wee safely may affirm That the judgment of holy learned and unbyast men is not a little to be heeded and doth exceedingly conduce to the clearing of Scripture-truth tending to settle and establish us in the true meaning of Gods word 1 Tim. 3.15 The Church is called The pillar and ground of truth Not so much a Marble pillar to support the Truth as a pillar on which is Pasted the Proclamation of Divine Truths That the judgment of the Learned and Orthodox is not to be neglected will thus easily appear unto us 1. The translation of the Bible into severall Languages hath still beene highly valued in Gods Church The generality of Gods People have no other Bible to peruse but that which is cloathed in their Mother tongue on this Bible they build their salvation Nay the most learned Linguists doe know the signification of Greek and Hebrew words only upon credit of their Teachers and Authors Therefore also the Exposition of the Scriptures by the same or like-learned or sound men is not to be suspected or vilipended in Gods Church 2. They have strong and sollid proofs of the things that they hold well back'd with Scripture Reason and intermixt with fervent exhortations to Piety 3. 1 Thes 5.20 If we must regard the Sermons Expositions and Writings of the Living then surely much more of the Dead since the Living may recant and depart from their present perswasions but the other have conveyed that to us which was their Belief both in life and death Surely the experiences of Gods people whether here or in heaven are of marvellous use and rich benefit to the Saints 4 Their joynt consent unity and harmony in things fundamentall declares that they were acted and assisted by the same spirit 5. Their difference in lesser things is so farre from abating the weight of their Testimony as that on the contrary it addes † Jo Daille of the Fathers book 2. p. 186. rather much unto the same For this clears their consenting in things Fundamental from all suspition of proceeding from Combination or Mutual Intelligence and the thing which is now stiled Interest For when you find them disagreeing in many lesser things it is an evident argument that they have not altogether sucked their knowledg from one another or combined together to deceive us But according to their best understandings they drew all from the Fountaine hewing out each particular point from the rich quarry of sacred Scripture so far as God did reveale his will to them 6. Many eyes see more then two But the Orthodox a Athanasius had so high an esteem of Conncels That writing of the

protect the Good therin imitate our Guardian-Angels yet they must not give like Protectiont to Wolves and Foxes where yet we have shewed that Dissenters in things circumstantiall And the poor Jews should be considered in order to their conversion Thirdly 3 To Ministers This speaks to Ministers who are * Rev. 2. 3. chap. See Laurentii Homil 8. in Apoc. p. 76. called Angels of the Churches They are like unto Angels in name and employment for they carry Messages from Heaven and Glad-tidings to men They ought therfore to shine and sparkle as Angels in sound Doctrine and holy conversation and carefully look unto the Flock over which God hath made them Overseers He that is properly a Pastor hath a particular Flock to attend T is likely when the Apostles had command and commission from Christ to preach the Gospel to the whole World They accordingly divided their walks not at all adventures but according to the four parts of Heaven Each Apostle had his walk and so each Pastor must have his Flock It is sayd the Galathians received Paul as an Angel of Christ Gal. 4.14 Every City and Town must have one Pastor at least to deal out unto them the bread of life Angels keep close unto their charge and so must Ministers unto their people If Mothers being able do not nurse suckle their Children They are judged proud unnaturall And much more are those Ministers to be blamed that neglect their people and live far from them committing them to any one perhaps a dry Breast Let our stately and covetous Non-residents look upon the Angels who attend their charge as a shaddow the body And oh that we might see the day that as every Province City Town hath its Angel So every golden Candle-stick might have a bright burning Tapor in it And every leaden Candle-stick be made a Golden One by additionall means That every Gloomy corner may not only have a Minister but one that is faithfull and watchfull Note Satan well knowing how much this undermines his Kingdoms doth also imitate God in his Designs He will have his Factors and most busie and trusty Agents dispersed into all places Some have observed that every Parish or considerable Town hath one at least that is suspected of Witchcraft Satan will have no place free from his Imps and Emissaries To countermine the Ministry the chief Underminer of his Kingdome Let therfore the man of God bestir himself let the Watchmen of Israel cry aloud lift up their Voice as a Trumpet To tell Judah of her sin * See Mr. Fenner of Christs Alarm to drouzy Saints p. 7. ad 20 Let Ministers be like Angels set over the Churches of Christ in twelve things 1. The name Angel signifies Messenger God the sender Let Preacher be sure of Mission from * Joh. 1.6 God and Commission from men 2. Angels are (a) Psal 104.4 Spirits their nature Communion Food Delights are Spiritual (b) Gal. 6.1 Ministri Ecclesiae dicuntur Angeli quia ad mandata Dei annuncianda ab co legantur Debent in eodem statu Iustitiae stare conversatiouem in caelo habere Gerhard Not. ad Apoc 1.20 p. 13. every Christian and much more every Minister should be spiritual A formal and dead Ministry is like a Carkass without a Soule 3. Angels are the highest Rank of Creatures and the Ministry is of all other the most honourable Function Such are worthy of double honour as labour in the word and Doctrine What ever some do speak in Derogation and Vituperation of so high a Function of old the same man was King and Priest 4. Angels are Creatures of another World though they move up and down in this So Ministers should not be delving and rooting in this nor intangled in the Thicket of Secular Affairs But their hearts and minds should be in Heaven and at leasure for Divine Contemplations 5. The Angels stand before God and so should Ministers to enquire and know his will Jer. 15.19 Jer. 15.19 They must be very much in Prayer every Sermon should smel of Heaven And look like a Child of Prayer John wept and the Book was opened 6. Angels are very (c) Mat. 25.31 holy Creatures (d) Psal 50.16 17. unholy Ministers pull down in stead of building up They make the offering of God to be abhorred It is sayd of Christ our Type Caepit facere docere Act. 1. So the Minister must first Do then Teach being unreproveable 7. Angels are winged in Gods Service and Ministers must be ready prest to every good word and work 8. 2. Tim. 4.16 Angels are to gather the Elect and is not this also the work of Ministers 'T is better to convert one then civilize a thousand Ministers are Christs Paranymphs who must not speak two words for him and ten for themselves 9. 1 Thes 2.19 20. Angels rejoyce at the conversion of a sinner So Pastors in the seale of their Ministry Ye are saith Paul Our glory and joy 10. The chiefe charge of Angels is over the (d) Psal ●1 11 Elect and so the Ministers of the Gospel are chiefly sent to call home and build up (e) Ephes 4.11 12. 2 Tim. 2.10 the Elect of God and for the perfecting of the Saints 'T is then a very dreadfull thing if any Ministers shall count such the worst of their Flock as doe too many 11. Angels doe mainly heed their Deputation Note and watch over those Cities Provinces and persons committed to them as you have seen in this Tract And so faithfull Ministers will attend their owne Flock and employ their chief care at home They 'l be fixed stars and glister in their own Orbes They may be called to help desolate corners and are not denyed the liberty of journeying but still their hearts be at home and they dare not in body be long absent least Wolves in sheeps cloathing enter the Fold weary and worry Christs Lambs Of all things they abhorre idleness and the people shall not only have their presence but pains and sweat and teares The Angels on Iacobs Ladder were some ascending others descending none standing or sitting still So faithfull Pastors are ever stirring watching and contriving by all meanes publick and private the peoples good I say desiring their good rather then their goods 12. And lastly the Messages of Angels have still been heeded and so should the Sermons of faithfull Ministers for such should be received As an Angel of God Gal. 4.14 yea even as Christ himselfe They are Ambassadors and must be heard of good tydings and so should the rather be heeded We shall end all with a use of consolation to the Saints Vse 4 Every Believer hath invincible guards of Angels to help and relieve him in his streights but one hath speciall Commission still to be with him and watch over him Wheresoever thou goest See Dr. Sibs Light from Heaven of the mysterie of godlinesse p. 103. this Angel moveth marcheth after thee ready to counsell and comfort thee resolved to stay by thee in the greatest extreamities Perhaps the time may come that the world will desert you and friends may forsake you You may come into streights and no body neer you yet a true Christian is never alone for God and his are with him Kings are never without their Guard nor Believers without their Angels Here is rich comfort for you in health and sicknesse in Life and at Death For then Angels are most busie to be our convoy to Christ and to lodg us in Abrahams bosome Therefore let us never be disconsolate let us never despaire whatsoever our estate or condition may prove Though our Carkasses be tumbled and crumbled into Earth be not dismayd Angels shall gather up our bones dust not any part shall be missing at that day Sweet and mysterious is our communion with elect Angels here glorious and eternall shall it be with them in heaven lauding and praysing God so long as the circle of Eternity shall last To wrap up all here is comfort for you for your Children and for the Nation 1. For your selves your whole Man shall be shielded from † Defendunt nos adversus Diabolos impios homines VVendelin Theol. lib. 1. cap. 8. many Dangers There is a daily conflict between good and evill Angels about you but Michael is sure to prevail against the Dragon 2. For your Children if they belong to God Dr. Sibbs ut ante In our Infancy in our tender years saith Doctor Sibbs we are committed to the custody of Angels 3. For the Nation God hath hitherto wonderfully appeared witness our Peace and great plenty That a stranger cannot find the foot-steps of War Wee trust a stop is set to that Confusion in things sacred which was over-flowing the Land Therefore let us still trust and wait upon our gracious Father for the perfecting of our mercies for us that our good Angels may not depart from us and that England * Diu desiderata dulcius obtinentur at last may be made a most glorious Church FINIS The Errata IN the Catalogue of Authors read Ludovicus Vives Page 21. for Locos read Loquutos p. 25. l. 16. r. Learning and Wisdom p. 62. l. 25. r. seasonable p. 84. l. 9. r. mediatly p 94. l. 2. r. is in p. 95. l. 17. r. commander p 98. l. 24. for have r. hate p. 148. l. 28. dele and.