AN EXHORTATION TO THE LOVE AND HONOUR OF THE HOLY ANGELS
The science of the sage, says the Holy Ghost, is like in its abundance to an inundation of waters : for, as the land is sometimes overspread by the swelling of the sea over its boundaries—so the mind of a Christian is sometimes so penetrated with the lights of faith, that it is absorbed in wonder and amazement. This assertion is fully verified in the knowledge which revelation gives of the Holy angels. However slightly we consider what it teaches of them, we discover so many and such powerful reasons to love these blessed Spirits, that we cannot refuse to do so.
All possible motives concur in pressing you to love these Spirits of love. If you regard God, you must love his Angels; if you regard yourself, you must love the Angels. Pure love commands it— interested love requires it—God alone wishes it— the holy Virgin and all the Saints desire it. If you live to God alone, you must be devout to the Angels; even though you still live to nature, you must love these blessed Spirits. We are differently affected—some are attracted by honours, some by riches, and others by pleasure. If pleasure attract you, these blessed Spirits can procure it for you, for they are placed at the source of eternal joy. If you wish to have the interest of the mighty, there is nothing in created being more powerful than the angelic nature. If you sigh after greatness, know that these peers of the celestial realms procure for their clients the sceptre of immortal honour and the diadem of unfading glory.
Ah! how different are the dispositions of the Angels, compared with those of the great ones of this earth! These wish to reign alone, whereas the highest ambition of those princes of love is to share their thrones with us, that we may partake in their felicity. If you are captivated by beauty, learn that the Angels are beautiful beyond description, and that their beauty is not subject to decay. Besides, the love and constancy of these amiable friends are incomparable ; the former includes every species of love—the latter is so great that whatever ingratitude we evince towards them, they seem to overlook it, incessantly watching over all that concerns us, defending us against our enemies, and rendering us every service. If you are of those souls who act by the movements of grace, and live to God alone, you must love the Angels. If the motive of the will of God influence you, you must be devout to them, since these blessed Spirits are the objects of his complacency and the masterpieces of his love.
If the kings of the earth were willing to receive you into their friendship, surely you would not refuse it. Now, consider that it depends on yourself to form an eternal alliance with the heavenly Princes, and by their influence to be one day crowned with them in the celestial empire.
Love the Angels, apostolic men ! for they are the missionaries of paradise.
Love the Angels, preachers of the world, they are profoundly skilled in the science of eternity.
Love the Angels, priests! for it is by their ministry the divine oblation is made.
Love the Angels, religious ! those admirable spirits are always retired in God.
Love the Angels, seculars ! those good intelligences pity you in the dangers to which you are continually exposed.
Love the Angels, married persons! the succour afforded Tobias by the Archangel Raphael, evinces the care of your state.
Love the Angels, widows and orphans! they are indefatigable in providing for persons in distress.
Love the Angels, virgins; again I say to you, love the Angels ! they are great friends of virginity, being charmed to see frail mortals live on earth as they live in heaven.
Love the Angels, just souls ! they are infallible guides in the way to God
Love the Angels, sinners ! they will obtain your pardon.
Love the Angels, afflicted souls! they are the consolation of the miserable, and the help of the distressed.
Love the Angels, ye rich and great! they will teach you that nothing is worth regarding but eternity.
Love the Seraphim, O men! they are the princes of pure love.
Love the Cherubim, they are skilled in the science of the saints.
Love the Thrones, they patronize peace of heart and tranquillity of soul.
Love the Dominations, they will teach you the art of self-government.
Love the Virtues, they are masters in the school of perfection.
Love the Powers, they are your defence.
Love the Principalities, they preside over states and kingdoms.
Love the Archangels, they are zealous for your wellbeing, and obtain for you a thousand benedictions.
Love the Angels, they are celestial stars, whose influence we oftener feel, because placed nearer to this nether sphere.
Henceforward be all love for those blessed spirits, who so ardently love you. Bless them, my God! those who are devout to your Angels. Bless those who on reading this poor little work will give themselves to this devotion. Bless them with the benedictions of the just, making them walk in your ways. Bless them with the benediction of Abraham, the spirit of sacrifice—with the benediction of Isaac, the spirit of conformity— with the spirit of Jacob, the spirit of lively faith Bless them -with the benediction of the elect. Bless them with the benediction of the Angels, making them sharers in your neverending joys ! Great and august Queen of Paradise, bless them with your protection that, being all united in seeking the interest of God alone, God alone may reign in their hearts for ever. Amen.
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