THERE was an angelology, and a worship of angels, on which
the Apostle animadverts with severity. —G. P. Tesher.
Christians in the second century held the belief that there
was a tutelary angel for each nation, city and person. Even the
great Ambrose insisted on the worship [veneration] of angels.
But the council of Laodicea condemned as heretics the Phrygian
sect of ''Angelica" for the adoration of angels. Pretended apparitions of
Michael the Archangel led in the fifth century to the institution
of the "Feast of St. Michael," which was celebrated in honor of
all the angels. —Anonymous.
In the fourth century there were those who directly worshiped
angels, and had private meetings for that purpose. They were
expressly condemned by the thirty-fifth canon of the council of
Laodicea; wherein that council adjudged this practice to be
idolatry, and apostasy from Jesus Christ. —Dr. Gell.
Worship God, and we shall be secure of the good offices of
His angels ; but worship angels, and we may be sure we displease
both them and Him that sends them. —Dr. Young.
Thee, Great God, we praise !
To Thee the Archangels and high throned Powers,
The Cherubim and Seraphim,
Chant aloud, with one accord, evermore.
Through eternity's resplendent hours,
In prostration lowly : Holy, holy,
Holy is the God whom we adore!
Holy is the Lord whose praise we sing.
—St. Ambrose.
