The Ministration of Angels.
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Heb. i, 14. On this verse Albert Barnes remarks: “In this doctrine there is nothing absurd. It is no more impossible that angels should be employed to aid man, than that one man should aid another; certainly not as impossible as that the Son of God should come down not to be ministered unto, but to minister.” Angelic ministration “constitutes the beauty of the moral arrangements on earth.” “Is there any impropriety in supposing that they do now what the Bible says they ever have done?” They attend the heirs of salvation, they wait on their steps; they sustain them in trial. “And is there care in Heaven? And is there love,
In heavenly spirits to these creatures base,
That may compassion of their evils move?
There is:—else much more wretched were the case
Of men than beasts; but oh! the exceeding grace,
Of highest God, that loves his creatures so,
And all his works of mercy does embrace,
That blessed angels he sends forth for us.
How oft do they their silver bowers leave,
To come to succor us who succor want!
How do they with golden pinions cleave
The yielding skies, like flying poursuivant,
Against foul foes to aid us militant;
For thus they fight, they watch and duly ward,
And their bright squadrons round about us plant;
And all for love and nothing for reward.
Oh! why should heavenly God to men have such regard!”—Com. on Heb. chap. i.