06 - The Angelic Inhabitants of Heaven
The Angelic Inhabitants of Heaven "Praise him, all his angels." Psalms 147:2 "And all the angels stood round about the throne!" Revelation 8:11
Having considered, in the preceding articles, the evidences of a future life, and viewed Heaven under various scriptural emblems — having inquired into the likeness of the redeemed to Christ, and exhibited the social enjoyments connected with the recognition of friends in Heaven, and the blessedness of spiritual worship in a divine temple — we come now to speak of those holy and resplendent beings who crowd the courts, and palaces, and cities, of the great King, and who continually surround the eternal throne. For a knowledge of their existence, character and employments, we are indebted solely to the sacred Scriptures. The light of nature furnishes no evidences respecting them, although analogy renders it probable, since there are successive gradations of being below man — that there are higher orders of intelligences above him. While we find every department of nature which we have explored instinct with life and crowded with animate existences, we cannot suppose that man constitutes the boundary line on the ascending scale. From the investigations and discoveries of modern science, we learn that even far below the last range of beings visible to the naked eye, there are countless myriads of animacule, more than a million of which find ample accommodation in a single drop of water. Indeed, we are told, what is hardly conceivable, that "within the narrow space of a grain of mustard-seed, eight million living active creatures can exist, all richly endowed with the organs and faculties of animal life." In taking one and subjecting it to a careful microscopic examination, it displays a precice and complicated organization, consisting of bones, muscles, sinews, lungs, and all the parts of a perfect and active being. Within this little form are found the sensibilities, emotions, instincts and desires, that belong to higher orders of animate existence.
Those that inhabit, as myriads do, delicate flowers, are environed with beauties and splendors, that to them constitute a glorious paradise.
"A distinguished botanist, on subjecting a flower, from which he heard a soft murmuring sound, to the microscope, observed that it was filled with minute insects, who were sporting among the narrow pedestals that supported its leaves. Amid the beauties and fragrance of their little world, he could distinctly observe their movements and enjoyments. The base of the flower, under the influence of the microscope, extended itself to a vast plain; the slender stems of the leaves became trunks of so many stately cedars; the threads in the middle seemed columns of massive structure, supporting at the top several ornaments, and the narrow spaces between them were enlarged into walks and terraces. On the polished bottoms of these, brighter than Parian marble, walked the winged inhabitants, which from dusky insects, as they appeared to the naked eye, rose to beautiful glittering animals, stained with living purple, and with a glossy gold that would have made all the labors of the loom contemptible in the comparison." For several days the botanist viewed the scene with unabated wonder and admiration.
Another remarks: "I have never made observations of the corolla, simply of the smallest flower, without finding it composed of an admirable substance, half transparent, studded with brilliants, and shining in the most lively colors. The beings that live under a reflex thus enriched must have ideas, very different from ours, of light and the other phenomena of nature. A drop of dew, filtering in the capillary and transparent tubes of a plant, presents to them thousands of cascades; the same drop, fixed as a wave on the extremity of one of its prickles, an ocean without a shore; evaporated in the air, a vast aerial sea. It is credible, then, from analogy, that there are animals feeding on the leaves of plants, like the cattle in our meadows, which repose under the shade of a dome imperceptible to the naked eye, and which from goblets formed like so many suns quaff nectar of the color of gold and silver."
If, with so lavish a hand, the Creator has thus crowded every leaf, flower and drop of water, with sportive and happy beings — then can we suppose that the formation of man has exhausted his power, and that in regions above, there are vast moral wastes which were never occupied by higher orders of intelligences? Is there given to these infinitesimal insects a paradise of the richest luster and variegated splendor? Is every flower a world, with its costly architecture, its beautiful scenery, and its various orders of busy inhabitants — while in God’s mighty spiritual kingdom there are none to admire his works, or render to him homage, except the comparatively few that have been here redeemed from the dominion of sin?
We cannot for a moment entertain such a thought; and yet, as we have already remarked, our only positive and reliable source of evidence upon the subject is the Bible. To the unprejudiced and believing mind, however, the proofs from this source are abundant and satisfactory; for the existence of holy angels is recognized by nearly all the inspired writers. The resplendent beings are represented . . .
as surrounding the throne of the Deity,
as engaged in acts of worship,
as moving amid the splendors of a celestial paradise, and
as employed on missions of high importance, and on errands of benevolence. The early Hebrews and the patriarchs were favored with visits and communications from them. They appeared sometimes in visible forms, and at other times in dreams and visions. During the period of the Judges, and about the time of the Babylonian captivity, they are introduced to our notice. Previous to the introduction of Christianity, they were seen gathering around the earth, hovering over the Holy Land, and giving to the devoted servants of God intimations of the Messiah’s approach. But the period most distinguished for their appearance and agency was that marked by the mission of our Savior, and the labors of the apostles. Then they came not only as interested spectators of the thrilling scenes which were transpiring — but to aid in carrying out the benevolent designs of Heaven toward an apostate world. As a celestial convoy, they accompanied the Savior in his journeys and visits, watching over him in times of peril, strengthening him when weak, and comforting him in his trials and sorrows.
But, beside Jewish and Christian writers, those of other nations have entertained and advanced opinions, respecting orders of intermediate spirits, corresponding somewhat to those recorded in the Scriptures. The Egyptians and the Greeks, according to the testimony of their eminent philosophers, believed in the existence of spirits, and in their agency in the affairs of mankind. They thought that the immense interval between their own souls and the infinite Deity could not be, reasonably, regarded as a vast waste — but must be filled with orders of spiritual existences, of various degrees of power and perfection. Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics, all admitted this doctrine, although they differed in their views respecting some branches of it. When Christ was upon the earth, the Sadducees were regarded as holding a fundamental error, in denying the existence of angels, and contending that the language used in the Old Testament, in reference to them, was to be taken figuratively. Several distinguished modern infidels have adopted and advocated the same opinion. Others have erred in the opposite direction, by assigning to the angels too exalted a character, and rendering to them superstitious worship. As a subject of purely scientific inquiry, the doctrine of angelic existence has claims upon our attention. But that which specially awakens our interest in it is the fact, that we look to this order of intelligences for our companions and instructors in the future life.
Besides anticipating the joyful recognition of our pious friends in the spirit world, the true Christian aspires to a companionship with those holy beings, who for ages have been studying the works and perfections of the Deity, and ministering at the altars and worshiping within the courts of the celestial temple. If, therefore, we can learn something of the bright inhabitants of those distant realms, before our departure thither — if we can be convinced that we shall be welcomed to the upper kingdom by orders of intelligences that in purity, power and splendor, far surpass our loftiest conceptions — our zeal to make preparation for that world will be quickened, and our views of its blessedness will be greatly elevated. Our investigations will respect the origin, nature, character and employments, of the holy angels. With regard to their
Various views have been expressed, by distinguished writers, respecting the time of their creation, many of which are entitled to but little consideration. Some have held, that they were created after man, as God, in the Mosaic account of the creation, proceeded from the lower and inferior of his works, up to the higher. But the opinion that seems most in accordance with reason and the Scriptures is, that they were created before the visible world, and acted an important part in the affairs of the universe, for ages previous to the creation of man. This view was taken by many of the fathers of the church, and is advocated by distinguished modern theologians. Nor is it an idea altogether fanciful, that they may have passed through, upon material worlds, a state of probation bearing some analogy to our own; and that they may have been subjected, in the infancy of their being, to a course of moral discipline that fitted them for their present high station and important duties. The law of discipline under which man lives, and makes progress, and attains to virtue and holiness, may be the universal law of rational beings. We cannot, indeed, conceive of one’s acquiring force of character and strength of religious principle, without the exercise of resistance; nor can we conceive of the exercise of resistance without temptation, or evil in some form, to resist.
If temptation could reach those angels "which kept not their first estate — but left their own habitation," and if our first parents were so early called to meet it — then temptation may be a force that every intelligent being, in some stage of his existence, must resist. But it is needless to pursue a point upon which we can only give conjectures, and concerning which both nature and revelation are silent. With regard to the
Thus, in our conceptions of angels, we picture to our minds beings in nature like ourselves, though far surpassing us in every intellectual and moral attribute. Their range of knowledge, their power of investigating and discerning truth, their capabilities of managing great enterprises, and discharging the duties of lofty and responsible positions — greatly transcend these advantages and qualities in man, in his highest state of culture. The question, whether angels have a bodily organization, is one that we shall not attempt to decide. The Bible is silent upon this point, and the arguments a priori which are sometimes adduced in favor of the idea prove nothing. The assertion, that if angels were pure spirits they could not act upon the material world, is entitled to no consideration, from the fact that it can neither be sustained nor refuted. The early fathers who were imbued with the Platonic philosophy — Justin, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, and others — regarded all spirits as inhabiting subtle bodies, which are imperceptible to any of our senses. This opinion was opposed by many of the schoolmen, who maintained that angels had no bodies, although they had the power of assuming a bodily form, when it was necessary for the accomplishment of a particular mission.
While, however, the Scriptures are silent upon this and some other points, they teach that there are various ranks among these angelic intelligences, possessing different degrees of dignity, power, and excellence; corresponding, in some measure, to the gradation which exists in human society. This fact is clearly brought to light in the writings of Daniel and Zechariah, and was recognized by Christ and his apostles. The angel who appeared unto Zacharias said unto him (Luke 1:19): "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and am sent to speak unto you, and to show you these glad tidings." He thus distinguishes himself from angels of an inferior rank, and was one of the favored number who were admitted to the presence of the great King, and entrusted with embassies of the highest importance. As the prime minister of an eastern monarch was admitted, at all times, to the presence of his sovereign, while those of an inferior rank were excluded, so Gabriel had the high honor of entering into the presence and standing before the Sovereign of the universe.
Michael is also spoken of as one of the chief princes of the heavenly hosts. He is referred to several times, in the Old Testament, as a being of exalted rank, and as destined to perform an important part in the final consummation of all things. In the revelation made to John, he appears as the leader of the celestial warriors who fought against the dragon and his hosts. His special official duty seems to be, to guard the citadels of Heaven against the assaults of their foes, and to watch the movements of those fallen spirits who are in rebellion against their Sovereign. The term archangel occurs but twice in the Bible; once as applied to Michael, and again in 1 Thessalonians 4:16 : "For the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God."
Many have supposed that the cherubim mentioned in the Old Testament constituted a class of angels; but they were originally hieroglyphic figures, composed of various creatures — a mingling of man, an ox, an eagle, or a lion. They are first mentioned by Moses (Genesis 3:24), as stationed at the east of the garden of Eden, with a flaming sword, to cut off all access to the tree of life. They were inwrought in the tapestry of the ark, and also placed as figures over the ark of the covenant, in the tabernacle, and afterwards in Solomon’s temple. In the vision of Ezekiel, the cherubim appear in a new form, and are described with great distinctness. They are instinct with life, move in a whirlwind, and are emblematic of the divine majesty and glory. They are also represented as appearing in the clouds, and bearing the Deity (Psalms 18:1-50) through the skies with great magnificence and grandeur. They are referred to by Josephus, and by the oriental writers generally. The seraphim were evidently an order of angelic beings of a very high rank. The original Hebrew word signifies to burn, and a Jewish commentator says that the name was given on account of their shining, fiery appearance.
They are alluded to but once in the Scriptures, and then by the prophet Isaiah, in his sublime description of the manifestation of Jehovah to him, Isaiah 6:2-6. In the vision, God is represented as seated upon a throne, high and lifted up, surrounded with the emblems of dignity and majesty, and attended by ministers called seraphim. He is clothed with a robe of royalty, the train of which fills the temple. These ministering spirits, in an attitude of the most profound veneration, are solemnly engaged in the worship of the great King. So solemn and sublime are the services, that the pillars of the edifice tremble, and the whole interior is filled with a cloud, the symbol of the divine presence. The spirits reverently veil their faces in the presence of the Infinite, and, with the deepest awe, cry, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!"
We would next inquire into the
their intellectual faculties and attainments,
their power,
their holiness,
their benevolence, and
their great personal glory.
While we conceive of them as richly endowed with intelligence and wisdom, we would be cautious not to ascribe to them divine attributes. However elevated and superior a created intelligence may be, the distance between him and the Creator is still infinite. And though he continues to advance from one height to another, as the ages of eternity roll on — yet there remains a vast gulf which he can never pass. There are regions above, stretching away into measureless distances, which he can never reach. The boundaries, however, of angelic intelligence and knowledge, we cannot accurately define. It is evident that there are subjects which are beyond their comprehension. Connected with the scheme of redemption, there are deep mysteries "which the angels desire to look into." The hour of the destruction of Jerusalem, the Savior declares, "knows no man, no, not the angels of Heaven." And in the book of Job, we are told that God charged his angels with folly. Yet their intellectual power, their vast stores of knowledge, the wonderful discoveries that they have made — are such as surpass all human comprehension. For ages, they have been studying the works of God; searching the profound depths of the divine wisdom and goodness; penetrating into the qualities and essence of matter and mind; exploring the physical, intellectual, and moral universe; having a range of inquiry and research extending from the throne of God down to the minutest atom; and, consequently, their powers and acquisition vastly transcend our loftiest conceptions. In anticipating companionship with such beings, we may indulge the expectation of deriving the highest intellectual benefits from their society. We may reasonably hope that communing with their spirits, or listening to their discourses, will greatly stimulate our own minds, and will enrich our understandings with the most precious treasures of knowledge. A thousand difficulties will be solved. Perplexing mysteries will be cleared up. Scientific and moral truth will be clothed with fresh charms, under their instructions; and the soul will kindle into a glow of intense enthusiasm, at the thought of the splendid fields of knowledge that are yet to be traversed, and of the facilities and aids to be enjoyed in exploring them. The power of angels is represented as immensely great. This is indicated in the appellations given to them in the Scriptures — They are called Powers, Thrones, Authorities, Dominions, Principalities, etc.
David exclaims, "Bless the Lord, you his angels, who excel in strength." Several instances are given in the Scriptures of the exercise of their power. In one night, an angel destroyed, of the army of Sennacherib, an hundred and eighty-five thousand men. As though by a single stroke, this vast multitude were stretched dead throughout the camp. The sentinels, as, early in the morning, they passed from tent to tent, were appalled at the sight of their prostrate fallen warriors, who but yesterday were in the full glow of health and courage, and stood ready for the fiercest conflict. The slaughter of the first-born, in Egypt, was accomplished by one angel, within so short a period that the wild lamentations of bereaved parents burst at once from their habitations. Every house was, in an instant, a scene of indescribable consternation, and every street was lined with the habitations of death. To effect the destruction of Jerusalem, on account of the sin of David, in numbering the people — but one angel was sent forth. "And David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord stand between the earth and the Heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem." How terrible and sublime was the scene! Around the offending monarch lay the holy city, the metropolis of the religious world, with its inhabitants slumbering in supposed security. The pale moon was throwing its silver beams upon the turrets and battlements, and upon the domes of the highest palaces. The stars were calmly looking down upon the plains, mountains and gardens, of Judea. Directly over the city was this bright and powerful being, grasping a glittering sword. A single movement of the fatal weapon, and death might enter every habitation. A single stroke, and that magnificent city might become a vast tomb, with no beating heart, no sign of life, within its walls. Do we wonder that "David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell upon their faces!" Do we wonder that they pleaded earnestly with God, that that dreadful sword might be returned into its scabbard? In the glorious visions that passed before John, as described in the book of Revelation, angels are represented as clothed with vast power, as controlling the physical elements, holding the four winds of Heaven, and executing the judgments of God upon his guilty subjects. In the descriptions, given in this book, of the angels, there is a mingling of beauty and sublimity, of majesty and terror, of thrilling eloquence and solemn grandeur, that cannot be surpassed.
While the heavens were covered with scenes descriptive of the glory of Christ, of the prosperity of his church, and of the triumphs of his kingdom — while important events in the history of the world’s renovation and redemption crowded upon each other, in their struggle to manifest themselves — the apostle sees seven mighty angels standing before God, with seven trumpets in their hands. As one startling peal follows another, the most terrible woes descend and burst upon the world. The sky is darkened by fearful storms, and the deep, heavy thunder, and appalling lightning, tell that the day of God’s wrath has come! The guilty stand aghast, and gaze with horror upon the scene. Chariots of fire are seen coursing through the heavens, and bearing the messengers of the divine vengeance. Burning mountains are hurled to and fro, and consume everything within their reach. Stars fall, the sun becomes darkened, and the moon refuses to shed its light. "And I beheld, and heard an angel flying through the midst of Heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabitants of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!" In the midst of these wild commotions and terrible calamities, an announcement comes to the apostle, in a voice of thunder, "Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication!" He hears the crash of her falling palaces and towers, and sees the smoke ascending from her ruins. The shrieks of her guilty inhabitants rend the air. Her haughty kings are laid low, and their scepters, crowns and thrones, are buried beneath the ruins of the city. They experience the fulfillment of the terrible prophecy, "If any man worships the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand — the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation." The apostle also has a view of a great battle between the holy angels and the enemies of Jehovah; Michael and his hosts are arrayed against the dragon and his angels; the two parties virtually representing the principles of redemption and holiness on the one hand — and the elements of wickedness and rebellion on the other. A fierce struggle takes place, in which each contends for the victory. The holy angels are nerved for the conflict by the consciousness that they are defending the citadels of Heaven, protecting the throne of Jehovah, and guarding the interests and happiness of millions of obedient subjects, against the destructive purposes of intruders and rebels. Thus animated by the purest motives and loftiest purposes, and sustained by an Almighty arm, they overcome and subdue their foes.
These judgments, thus brought upon the enemies of God, all the holy angels are represented as approving. "After these things, I heard a great voice of much people in Heaven, saying, Alleluia: salvation and glory and honor and power unto the Lord our God, for true and righteous are his judgments!" And again, "I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia; for the Lord God omnipotent reigns!"
Eminent holiness is also a characteristic of the celestial inhabitants. This is abundantly evident, from the nature of their abode, their proximity to the Holy of holies, the Biblical representations of their character, and the services and worship in which they are constantly engaged. On the morning of the creation, they are introduced as employed in acts of worship. As the beauties of the new-made earth appear, and planets and suns burst forth from chaos and darkness, at the summons of Omnipotence, "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy." As the Lord of Glory leaves his throne, and comes upon his sacred mission, a multitude of heavenly hosts attend him; and as the royal retinue draw near to earth, they are heard by pious shepherds "praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." Their holy character may be inferred, too, from the fact that, "There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents." The news that one wanderer is returning to his Father’s house, that one spirit is breaking away from the dominion of sin — sends a thrill of joy through their shining ranks; it flies from host to host, rolling up a wave of exultation, and causing Heaven to swell with new anthems of praise, and fresh songs of triumph. The holiness of angels is indicated in their cheerful and uniform obedience. They are often spoken of as being sent by God upon various missions to the earth. "My God has sent his angel, and has shut the lions’ mouths that they have not hurt me," Daniel 6:22. "In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth," Luke 1:26. "Now I know of a surety that the Lord has sent his angel, and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod," Acts 12:11.
Thus we find that the angels are ever ready to obey their Sovereign, and execute his will. Their plans and purposes are in unison with the Divine Mind. They have no selfish ends in view, no unholy desires to gratify. They have no higher ambition than to execute, with fidelity and success, the commands of their King. They delight in serving. They glory in their loyalty. They covet no other state, for they have reached the highest state attainable by created intelligences. They can go no higher, without being infinite. They can occupy no loftier positions, without being gods.
They know, too, that holinessandhappinessare inseparably connected. One sinful act, they are aware, would banish them from royal courts, strip them of all honors, plunge them from light into darkness, from celestial heights and pleasures into the regions of despair. Hence, they are held by the strongest motives to their allegiance to God. They feel that their interests are identified with the interests of God’s holy kingdom, and that their happiness depends upon the perpetuity of the divine government, and the supremacy of the divine will.
How delightful to contemplate these pure and bright beings, whose thoughts, purposes and deeds, are resplendent with holiness, whose characters are free from the least imperfection, and over whose spirits no shadow of sin or evil ever passes! Their very
They are called Sons of God. They bear the image of the Father, are the members of his family, the recipients of his warm paternal affections, and they return to him the love and services of obedient children.
They are Living Ones; beings instinct with life, full of animation, in whom are condensed all the attributes of intelligence, and the perfections of moral worth. Their powers have developed and expanded under the genial influences of Heaven, and amid beauties and splendors that have left their images impressed upon them.
They are Burning Ones; beings that shine with celestial luster, with the brightness of "morning stars." They reflect the beams of the Sun of Righteousness, and are radiant with the beauteous tints of the rainbow. "I saw," says John, "another mighty angel come down from Heaven, clothed with a cloud; and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was, as it were, the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire." And again, "After these things I saw another angel come down from Heaven, having great power: and the earth was lightened with his glory." His very presence illuminated the mountains, and valleys, and plains, and spread over the whole scene a heavenly luster.
Another characteristic of the celestial inhabitants is their pure benevolence. Although they are often represented as executing the judgments of Jehovah, as in the sublime visions that passed before John — yet they delight in missions of love. With what alacrity did an angel hasten to Hagar in the wilderness, to relieve her distress, and afford her comfort in her loneliness and sorrow!
What earnestness did the angels manifest to save Lot and his family from the ruin in which Sodom and its guilty inhabitants were to be involved! In the quiet of evening they approached the house, to warn them of their danger, and afford them time to prepare for their flight. Patiently they wait for the slow hours of night to bring the dawn of the morning. As soon as the sun rises, and its rays gild the towers and turrets of the city, the angels, with their charge, are seen hurrying towards the gates. Having reached the plain, they observe, in Lot and his family, indications of a reluctance to proceed. With the deepest anxiety apparent in their countenances and manner, they cried out, "Escape for your life! look not behind you, neither stay you in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed!" A very touching example of angelic tenderness and love is furnished in the case of the prophet Elijah. This servant of the Lord, after a most triumphant vindication of the sincerity of his faith, and the truth of his religion, upon Mount Carmel, had escaped from his persecutors, and reached the wilderness, weary and exhausted. Reclining under a juniper-tree, and pleading, almost in despair, for death, he fell asleep. An angel was sent to him, and, bending over the unconscious slumberer, is impressed with the prophet’s destitute and sad condition. He who, but a short time previous, had called fire from Heaven, and confounded vast multitudes of people — who had defied and slain four hundred and fifty of the prophets of Baal — was now a solitary fugitive in a desert, homeless, friendless, and ready to die. The angel prepares his food, and, touching him, said, "Arise and eat." Having obeyed, he again laid down. The angel addressed him the second time, and besides giving him food, he cheered and strengthened him. But the most beautiful and affecting instances of the love of angels are furnished in their ministrations to our Lord, while he was upon the earth. In his infancy they watched over him, with the utmost solicitude. When a cruel tyrant, thirsting for his blood, formed a conspiracy to destroy him, an angel said to Joseph, "Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be you there until I bring you word." It was not enough that he warned him to escape — but such is his tender care, that he tells him not to stir from his retreat, until he brings him word. He wishes to guard every avenue through which the treachery or hatred of Herod could reach the infant Savior. As the Messiah grew up, he was constantly watched over and guarded by the bright squadrons that were sent from his Father’s kingdom. In every stage of his progress he was emphatically "seen of angels." They witnessed his humility, strict obedience, conflicts, and bitter trials. When severely tempted by Satan, and left upon the pinnacle of the temple, "angels came and ministered to him." In that terrible scene in the garden, when he struggled with "the rulers of the darkness of this world," when his mysterious and solemn agony forced the blood through the pores of his skin, and he was ready to faint from exhaustion, "there appeared an angel unto him from Heaven, strengthening him." With the most intense sympathy, with a spirit alive to every want, pain and groan, of the Savior, the celestial messenger delights to soothe his anguish and support his burdens. When betrayed by Judas, and about to be seized by the cruel mob, Christ said, "Don’t you know that I can now ask my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" So ready was the Father to send them, that a word only was necessary to secure the presence of a force, that would instantly disarm every foe. We may almost see the legions pressing forward for the conflict, their swords flashing amid the darkness of that cruel night, their countenances burning with zeal to rescue the Lord of glory. But they are held back by the arm of Omnipotence. No legion is sent out, no celestial warriors engaged in the conflict. At the victory of the Messiah over death and Hell, the angels come to celebrate. Their arrival is announced by the shock of an earthquake. "There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from Heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men!" Matthew 28:2-4
How much is compressed within this short description! What benevolence, purity and glory, beam forth from this mysterious messenger! Behold him, sitting in dignity and conscious strength, upon that stone. The Lord has risen, and departed. The sentinels lie apparently dead at his feet. His robes are of the purest whiteness. His countenance shines with an effulgence that can only be compared to the lightning. The pious women, who came to the tomb seeking their Lord, he endeavors to soothe. He bids them hasten and assure his disciples that he has risen from the dead. But our limits will not allow us to refer to all the instances of angelic sympathy and love, recorded in the Scriptures. We have said enough to show the nature and character of the inhabitants of that bright world, to which the saints are soon to be introduced.
We have seen that holy angels occupy the highest rank in the scale of created intelligences; that they are endowed with brilliant powers, vast capacities, an intense desire for knowledge and love of truth; that they possess every virtue that contributes to form an elevated and holy character; that there is a grandeur connected with them, that is calculated to excite our highest admiration, and warmest affection. To dwell with such bright, pure spirits forever — to enjoy their society, listen to their discourses, walk with them amid the bowers, streams and fountains, of the celestial paradise; worship with them in the temples of the New Jerusalem; soar with them amid the worlds and systems that float around the throne of their great King, to bow with them in deep reverence before the Eternal God — how blessed and glorious such anticipations! How rapidly will our social nature be developed and strengthened, under circumstances so favorable! With what delight shall we look upon their white robes, their celestial forms, their dazzling countenances, their eyes beaming with true affection, their lips uttering words of wisdom and love! With what rapture shall we listen to their songs and praises! As we approach the eternal city, we may hear, bursting from every inhabitant, the loud chorus, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men!" As we draw nearer the cry from the heralding angels reaches us: "Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in!" Psalms 24:9. The choirs from within are heard anxiously inquiring, "Who is the King of glory?" The shout of the approaching hosts answers, "The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, mighty in battle!"
Again the summons peals forth from the glowing, resplendent legions — "Lift up your heads, O gates!" The same inquiry comes from within the city, "Who is this King of glory?" The innumerable hosts, now burning with devotion, and wrought up to the highest degree of enthusiasm, thunder out, in peals that almost shake the walls and gates, "The Lord Almighty, he is the King of glory!" The Lord of cherubim and seraphim, angels and archangels, of the redeemed multitudes gathered out of every nation, tribe and kingdom, "he is the King of glory!" And when we are admitted within the city, and the full splendor of angelic worship bursts upon us, we can only give vent to our overpowering emotions in the sublime language of John: "Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!" Revelation 5:11-12