by this or any other allusion; but the idea of an angel may serve to show us somewhat, at least, of His loveliness, of whom we hope to be learning forever and ever.

From the language of Scripture we are led to connect an idea of personal glory with that of an angel; we read of men being astonished at the brightness of their appearance; and, by several other expressions to the same intent, are led to conceive of their superiority to man in point of form and comeliness; this may at least remind us of the beauty and heavenliness of the person of Christ. This Angel of the Lord is, indeed, “fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into his lips, and God hath blessed him forever." Glory and majesty ever characterize him: nor is it any wonder, that when the beloved disciple had a view of him, he fell at his feet as dead. No tongue can tell, nor heart conceive, nor imagination represent, the personal glory of this Angel of God's presence, for "he is altogether lovely."

Strength also appears to be a scriptural idea when considered as applied to angels. Hence, says the psalmist, "Ye angels, that excel in strength." All their power is evidently communicated to them from above; but it is clear that it is very great. The power of angels is intimated, when our Lord says, "Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels?" leaving us to infer that they, by their power, could deliver him from all his foes. And speak we of strength, the Angel of the covenant is mighty,— "the Lord of Hosts is his name;" let the deliverances he has wrought for his favored people teach us "his eternal power and Godhead," and show

us that his arm is all-powerful, and that he can accomplish whatsoever he pleaseth in the worlds of nature, providence, and grace. An angel could loose Peter from the prison, and set him free. Christ Jesus has delivered us who were tied and bound with the chain of our sins, and has demolished the strong holds of Satan.

Intelligence is another property of angels, and may serve to form a resemblance between them and the Captain of this host of the Lord. Their active minds are ever employed in investigating the things of the kingdom, and in looking with reverence and desire of perpetual instruction into the ark of God, and in learning from the churches "the manifold wisdom of God." But what is their information when compared with that of Him, "in whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge?" Their knowledge is indeed great, but not infinite; they cannot search the hearts of men, nor know future events in any other way than as they are taught by the Lord of hosts. But he tries the reins of the children of men; nor do we ever speak a greater truth than when we say to him, "Lord, thou knowest all things."

Holiness must also ever be viewed by us as one grand characteristic of the angels of God; hence in Scripture they are so frequently called, "his holy angels." Living so near Jehovah as they do, no wonder they reflect his image. They were first created pure, and they have ever been preserved so they are the angels that sinned not, and therefore never fell. And the idea of their sanctity should impress our minds with shame, when we recollect that they watch our conduct, and inspect our devotions. But the Angel of whom we speak, here lays a sole claim to the title of "He that

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When we bow be

is holy, and he that is true." fore him, let us cry, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty!" and desire to see him as the eternal God, as a real man, and as our Mediator. He has ever maintained unspotted holiness.

The last excellency which we shall mention as existing in the angels is, concern for our welfare; for they are all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation. They lose no opportunity of doing good to the saints, by suggesting good thoughts; by restraining Satan; by averting dangers; and by assisting and providing for them. But, as it regards benevolent deeds, Jesus has far outdone them all; he flew to help us, he ran to save: how ready was he to lay down his life in our behalf! how well pleased was this Angel of the Lord to aquit us, when we stood before him justly charged with numerous crimes! how gracious is he to the present moment, in supplying our wants, and doing for us what no angel in heaven could ever accomplish! Our interest lies near his heart; yea, he is not ashamed to call us brethren: there is mercy in all his dispensations; nor have any of us ever had reason to complain that he has been unfaithful to his promise, or unkind to us. These, then, are the characteristics of an Angel spoken of in my text, who befriended the Israelites of old, and who ever encampeth round about them that fear him. He possesses personal glory, unlimited strength, universal intelligence, untainted holiness, and a benevolent disposition. May his glory be the object of our admiration and study; his strength be exerted in delivering us from evil; his understanding be in a measure communicated to us, that we may be wise, and understand the fear of the Lord;

his holiness be the means of leading us to aspire after personal sanctity, and his benevolent actions excite our gratitude and praise forever.

Having admired the character of the Angel who was sent before the children of Israel, let us now— II. Contemplate that office, for the discharge of which he is so eminently qualified.

"I," says

He has been

Observe his Divine commission. God, “send an Angel before thee.” divinely dedicated to the office of Guide and Leader of his people; and hence, as he was present with the believing Israelites, and glorified their families, and their assemblies, with his heavenly grace, and conducted them forty years in the wilderness, so will he guard us from danger: the Lord himself shall be our Sun and Shield, we shall go whithersoever he leads us, and where we reside, there shall he also dwell. He shall lead, direct, and advise us; the rising generation shall cry after this glorious Angel, and say, "Be thou the guide of my youth" and, to those in the decline of life, he says, "Even to old age I am he, and even to hoary hairs will I carry you." O, how happy ought we to be under the conduct of so Divine a guide! he goes before us, then, for two purposes specified in the text :-to preserve us all through our journey, and to administer to us an entrance into the wealthy place.

1. This Angel of the Lord goes before us to preserve us all through our journey. "I send an Angel," says God," before thee, to keep thee in the way." He preserved them from wandering, for he led them forth by a right way, that they might go to a city of habitation: he keeps them in the way marked out by unerring skill; the way that has been trodden by the whole host of the redeem

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ed, and, consequently, the way that leads directly to our Father's house. And if this great and mighty Angel goes before us, surely our safety is made abundantly certain for what enemy can withstand him, if he slew Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og the king of Bashan, for the Jews? surely an army of corruptions shall be by his power laid level with the ground, and the world, sin, and the devil, be trampled under the feet of his followers, while they shout, "The Lord God of hosts is with us, the God of Jacob is our refuge." If he goes before us, to keep us in his way, how animated should we be by his conquests; and while he says, Fight on, my faithful band," let us wage war with every spiritual foe, and have respect to the recompense of the reward. This Angel goes before us to keep us in the way, and thus displays his infinite perfections; his goodness, wisdom, condescension, ability, and holiness, are manifest on every occasion; and, whilst he plants fear in the hearts of his foes, his grace and love will never fail to delight those who are chosen, called, and faithful. In conducting them through this world, he makes use of the directions of his word, the excellences of his own example, the influence of his Divine Spirit, and the hand of his providence these things say to us, "This is the way, walk ye in it." Having then such a glorious Companion, let us not fear the difficulties that lie in our way, but forget our troubles and in the strength of the Captain of salvation, who leads us in the paths of righteousness for his name' sake, "let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith."

2. The Angel of the covenant, too, goes before