The Glories of the Holy Angels
Venerable H. Boudon, Archdeacon of Evreux
DEDICATORY EPISTLE TO OUR BLESSED LADY OF ANGELS
Great Queen of Paradise! Sovereign of those holy spirits who are confirmed in grace and glory! prostrate at your feet, where the greatest sinners obtain pardon—the weak, strength—the tepid, forvour—and the just, sanctity—I offer and present to you this little work, designed to promote the knowledge and love of the Holy Angels, your faithful subjects, and the illustrious Princes of your celestial Court. To whom could I more justly dedicate it, since, as the mistress of these glorious Spirits, you must be of all others most interested for their glory.
Besides, blessed mother! you know (and it is gratifying to me to repeat it) that I have nothing which is not yours—for I consider it a greater happiness to be your slave, than to enjoy all the honours the world could bestow. Bless, then, O holy Virgin! this little work; diffuse upon it your choicest benedictions; make it evident that it is all yours, by the unction which will be found in every page that through the adorable merits of Jesus, your beloved Son, it may establish among men a true and fervent devotion to the Holy Angels, to the honour of God alone, our beginning, our last end, our only all in all things—God alone ! God alone ! God alone !
TO MY GOOD ANGEL GUARDIAN
Most faithful Guardian of all that I am! when I reflect on my ingratitude and your unceasing cares, my mind is bewildered, and I know not what to say, but that you are a heavenly Intelligence, a Spirit of Light and Love, and a Prince of the celestial realms—while I am but dust and ashes, a miserable sinner, and the last of men. Great Prince! why do you love me so tenderly? why is there not one moment of my life undistinguished by your favours? What shall I render you in return for them? I have nothing to offer, dear Guardian of my heart, except the firm resolution of loving you henceforward with your blessed companions in glory. Present my resolution, together with this little work, to those holy choirs; it will be better received from you; and tell them, in your angelic manner, how sorry I am for not having always loved them. Tell them how much I wish to see their devotion extended, and that all men should know and love the Holy Angels, for the glory of God alone. It is this God alone, most amiable of friends! that I desire in all things. Amen—Amen—God alone! God alone! God alone! the end of all devotion to the glorious Virgin, the Angels and Saints. Amen.
