p. 15 | Angels our Example by William R. Williams

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 26, 1858

Angels our Example.

By William R. Williams

As do the angelic beings on high our Father's will, so should we on earth strive to know, and knowing to obey it. The Scripture bids us, in memory and imagination, consort with them as our attendants and ministers, and soon to be our eternal companions; and that like us, their duty and their delight is obedience to our common Father and Lord. They are our "fellow-servants," and their service should instruct and mould ours into the resemblance of its cheerfulness and promptitude. They are swift to assume the tasks enjoined. No pause of sullenness or misgiving suspends their obedience to the command- once known. Their obedience is a universal and harmonious obedience. Each votary in heaven fills his place, and envies not nor jostles his brother, his co-heir in bliss, and his fellow-helper in duty. They are lowly, and clothed with humility amid their majesty. The offices which we should scorn as menial, and unbefitting to our dignity, the highest angels would accept, if God appointed them, without hesitation or regret. It was the pithy saying of John Newton, that should two angels receive at the same time their commission from heaven, the one to be prime minister of an empire, and the other to sweep the streets of its capital, it would be a matter of entire indifference to each of the two delighted messengers of God's will, which service fell to his lot, the post of the scavenger or that of the premier. They formed a chariot and coursers of fire for the hair-clad prophet of Israel; Ezekiel saw others of them as wheels with many eyes, intelligent and observant, yet subject in lowly contentment to all the appointments of their Sovereign and God. Their motives, again, are pure; and theirs is unclouded serenity and singleness of intention, ever and only at the glory of God. Theirs is unwearied perseverance, and day and night they cease not to renew their adoration, and continue their unfaltering anthem of rapt love. They count not their palms and glorious plumage soiled in uplifting to his long sought home above the beggar Lazarus, because the dust had been his couch; and they visit, without disgust or delay, the meanest hut and the most wretched pallet where an heir of their Father is drawing his latest breath: nor almshouse, nor dungeon, nor cross, nor pillory, seems too debased for their access, if Christ's servant be meekly suffering there.—William R. Williams, D. D.