They are God’s minist’ring spirits, and are sent, His messengers of mercy, to fulfil Good for salvation’s heirs. For us they still Grieve when we sin, rejoice when we repent: And on the last dread day they shall present The severed righteous at His holy hill, With them God’s face to see, to do His will, And bear with them His likeness. Was it meant, That we this knowledge should in secret seal, Unthought of, unimproving? Rather say, God deigned to man His _angel_ hosts reveal, That man might learn, like _angels_, to obey; And those who long their bliss in Heaven to feel, Might strive on earth to serve him ev’n as they. _Bp. Mant._ When by a good man’s grave I muse alone, Methinks an _angel_ sits upon the stone; Like those of old on that thrice-hallowed night, Who sate and watched in heavenly raiment bright; And with a voice inspiring joy, not fear, Said, pointing upward, that he is not here, That he is risen! _Samuel Rogers._ Elysian race! while o’er their slumbering flocks The Galilean shepherds watched, ye came To sing hosannas to the heaven-born Babe, And shed the brightness of your beauty round: Nor have ye left the world, but still, unseen, Surround the earth, as guardians of the good, Inspiring souls, and leading them to heaven; And oh! when shadows of the state unknown Advance, and life endures the grasp of death, ’Tis yours to hallow and illume the mind, The starry wreath to bring, by _angels_ worn, And crown the spirit for her native sphere. _Robert Montgomery._ Hark! what mean those holy voices, Sweetly sounding through the skies? Lo! the _angelic_ host rejoices, Heavenly hallelujahs rise. Listen to the wond’rous story, Which they chant in hymns of joy: “Glory in the highest, glory! Glory be to God most high! Peace on earth, good will from heaven, Reaching far as man is found; Souls redeemed, and sins forgiven:-- Loud our golden harps shall sound!” _Cawood._ “Many in this world of cares,” Truly hath the poet said, “Sit with _angels_ unawares;” Round our path, and round our bed, _Angels_ ever watch and wait, Striving still to turn our steps unto heaven’s gate. _Anon._ ANGER. O Lord, rebuke me not in thine _anger_, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.--Psalm vi. 1. A wrathful man stirreth up strife; but he that is slow to _anger_ appeaseth strife.--Proverbs, xv. 18. Be not hasty in thy spirit to be _angry_; for _anger_ resteth in the bosom of fools.--Ecclesiastes, vii. 9.