(4.) An host of angels, it shews likewise their emploijment. An host is for defence or offence. That is the employment of angels here below espe- cially, for the defence of the church, and for the offence of the enemies of the church. It is a great comfort to the church and children of God. The church is in the midst of devils here. We are all strangers in the way to heaven. We live in the midst of devils, and devils incarnate, devilish- minded men, that are led with the spirit of the devil. But here is our comfort, we have a multitude, an host of angels, whose office is to defend the church, and to offend the enemies of the church, as we see in Scripture.
(5.) Again, An host implies strength. We have a strong garrison and guard. We are kings in Christ, and we have need of a guard ; and God hath appointed us a strong guard, a guard of angels. Angels severally are strong creatures. We see one of them destroyed all the first-born in Egypt ; one of them destroyed the host of Sennacherib the Assyrian in one night. If one angel destroyed a whole host, consisting of many thousands, what can a multitude of heavenly angels do ? Yet all are for the service of
320 angels' acclamations.
Christ and of bis church. These and such like observations we maj' gather hence, that they arc said to be an host of angels.
Beloved, we have need of such comforts ; and let it not seem slight unto us to hear of angels because we see them not. It is a thing forgotten of us too much. AVhy are we so cold, and dead, and dull, and distrustful in dangers ? We forget our strength and comfort in this way. There is now at this time an earthly host against the church, men led with anti- christian spirits. Let us comfort ourselves, we have an heavenly host with us ; as Elisha said to his servant, ' There are more with us than against us,' 2 Kings vi. IG. If God see it good, this outward host of heaven, the sun, moon, and stars, he can make them fight for bis church, as in Sisera's case. Judges v. 20. But there is another host, that see the face of God ; that is, that observe and wait on bis will and command. We have an heavenly host within the heavens, that having a command from God, can come down quickly for the defence of the church, and for every particular Christian, not only one angel. That is but an opinion, that every one bath his angel ; but even as God sees good, one or two, or more, a multitude, an host of angels.
God useth angels, not for any defect of power in himself to do things, that he must have such an host, but for the further demonstration of his good- ness. He is so diffusive in goodness, he will have a multitude of creatures, that they may be a means to diffuse his goodness : angels to the church, and the church to others. It is for the spreading of his goodness, for he is all in all in himself. Let it take impression in us, that we have such glorious creatures for our service.
We see here this host of heavenly angels, they attend upon the Lord of hosts at bis birth, for Christ is the creator of angels, the Lord of them ; not only as God, but as Mediator. As God, he is the creator of angels; as Mediator, he is the bead of angels. Col. i. 16. It was fit therefore that an host of angels should attend upon the Lord of angels ; it was for the honour of Christ. God would let the world know — although they heeded it not, there was no such thought in Augustus's court at that time — that there was an excellent, glorious person born into the world. God himself took our nature : Christ, Immanuel. Though be were neglected of the world, and fain to lie in a manger, yet God, took better notice of him than so. Heaven took notice of him when earth regarded him not. Therefore God, to shew that he had another manner of respect and regard to Christ than the world had, he sends a multitude, an host of heavenly angels, to celebrate the nativity of Christ.
There is much solemnity at the birth of princes ; and God, that is King of kings and Lord of lords, he makes a solemnity likewise at the birth of bis Son, the greatest solemnity that ever was, an host of heavenly angels. But these things I do but touch.
* And suddenly there was,' &c.
* Suddenly,' in an unperceivable time, yet in time ; for there is no motion in a moment, no creature moves from place to place in a moment. God is everywhere. ' Suddenly :' it not only shews us,
1, Someichat exemplani from the quick despatch of the angels in their busi- ness— we pray to God in the Lord's prayer, * Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven ;' that is, willingly, ' suddenly,' cheerfully —
2. But also it serves /o>- comfort. If we be in any sudden danger, God can despatch an angel, *a multitude' of angels, to encamp about us 'sud- denly.' Therefore, though the danger be present, and the devil present,