<<  SOCIETY OF ANGELS  >>

THE present ministration of angels to Christian pilgrims establishes a relation of the deepest interest. The particular ways and instances of their special efforts, as our allies, we know not. nor do we need to know. It is enough for us to be assured that an immense host of these efficient guardians are in attendance upon the heirs of salvation. Dwelling as we do in this tabernacle of flesh, burdened with infirmities, assailed by temptations, what consolation it is to know that there is sympathy for us, and cooperation with us in the world of spirits ! Let us never forget that, while we have to contend not only with indwelling sin, and the dangerous influences of surrounding scenes, but also to wrestle with principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places, still, they that be with us are more than they that be with them. If, as to the young man with the prophet, a view were granted us into the surrounding sphere ofspiritual being, or, if the vision of faith were sufficiently clarified and enlarged, we too should see the " mountains full of horses and chariots of fire round about." Verily, the angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.

Nor are low and lowly Christians overlooked by these ministering spirits. It has not been merely to the noble and learned of earth that they have made their most signal manifestations, but also to the outcast bondwoman, to the houseless prophet, to ignorant shepherds, and imprisoned fishermen. Gold, purple, ermine, and rags, and outward wretchedness, are all one in their eyes." Take heed," said Christ, u that ye despise "not one of these little ones, for I say unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven." The most obscure of God's people on earth share in the sympathy of angels in yonder world of light, who stand in the presence of the King of kings. What ground of humble exultation is here; and what pitiable arrogance for any to despise them !

"I have seen angels by the sick one's pillow ;
Theirs was the soft tone and the soundless tread;
When smitten hearts were drooping like the willow,
They stood ' between the living and the dead.'
" There have been angels in the gloomy prison;
In crowded halls ; by the lone widow's hearth ;
And when they passed, the fallen have uprisen,
The giddy paused the mourner's hope had birth."

"O, everlasting God ! who hast ordained and constituted the services of angels and men in a wonderful order ; grant that, as thy holy angels always do thy service in heaven, so, by thy appointment, they may succor and defend us on earth.

At the hour of death their services are eminently enjoyed. Dying seems ordinarily so much like passing suddenly into the dark, like plunging into an unfathomed sea, that the soul shrinks, and longs for some hand to guide and uphold it. The thought of going alone into those untried scenes not unfrequently occasions trembling. But it does not go alone. Angels are, as Tertullian calls them, Evacatores animarum.

" Hark, they whisper angels say,
Sister spirit, come away."

They who have ministered unseen, now become visible guards. The departing soul is borne to its everlasting rest by the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof. " It came to pass that the beggar died, and was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom." Yes, Lazarus, without fortune, without friends, without home, without clothing, without food, exposed in the open air, and covered with sores, Lazarus, whom a moment before the meanest servant of the rich man held in contempt, blessing his stars that he was not so forlorn and wretched ; he, whom a moment before, none but dogs caredfor, is now carried by angels into Abraham's bosom. A vast convoy of mighty, holy shining ones bear that despised beggar's soul' high up in the Paradise of God.

What, then, if, in the closing scenet you feels solitary and friendless as he who was laid at the gate of Dives? Think of the waiting crowd, into whose friendly presence and kind ministrations death will introduce you. Gently will they bear you in their arms to your Father's house. Familiarize yourself with this animating thought. In the midst of deep contemplation on his death-bed, Richard Hooker remarked : "I am meditating the number and nature of angels, and their blessed obedience and order, without which peace could not be in heaven , and. Oh that it might be so on earth !" " Now, angels," said an early pastor of New England, when dying," now, angels, do your office !"while Dr. Bateman exclaimed :" What glory !the angels are waiting for me ! Lord Jesus,receive my spirit ! Farewell !"

When, reader, your face shall be toward Padan-Aram, and you light upon a certain place to tarry there all night, and, with the stones thereof for your pillow, you lie down in that place to sleep, may you behold the angels of God ascending and descending between heaven and earth! YOU will find it mine other but the house of God; it will be the gate of heaven.