THE NATIVE POPULATION OF THAT HEAVENLY WORLD.

"The Angels of God."—Heb. 1. 6.

So far as revealed to us by record of the Bible, the original or native inhabitants of Heaven are called "Angels." These are also called "messengers of God," and from all the lights we have, it would seem that their principal occupation and employment is to act as messengers; execute the commands of Jehovah, and to worship, and magnify the name of their Creator. Their perpetual residence, it seems, is in Heaven, yet from the manifestations of repeated visits to our earth, we can but suppose they are God's messengers, oft sent to other worlds to do His pleasure.

It would seem that they are possessed of intellectuality next to Jehovah himself, yet all knowledge is not given unto them. It also appears that there is a vast difference in their grades and positions. We read of Archangels, of Michael, and Gabriel, of the Sons of God. They are sometimes called "Stars." Thus, we read of "the morning stars which sang together." We also read of Cherubim and Seraphim. And it may be that some of the most exalted among them occupy thrones, and have control of "dominions," "principalities," and "powers." We are told that "Michael and his angels" fought the "Great Dragon and his angels." Thus we see that they were the leaders, or had command over many angels.

We are also justified in the belief that they are princes and peers, and belong to the Court; possibly form the ministerial cabinet, and are attendants in the council chambers of heaven.

We have seen, through revelations, how oft—under the earlier dispensation—they visited our earth, to bear messages from God to the prophets, and to His people; to warn or announce His threatenings, or execute His commands in judgments upon the wicked. As angels they are "Spirits," and as commissioned "ministers" oft appeared as "flames of fire."

From the revelations made to us, we know they are spiritual creatures of God, and that their nature is immaterial, or that they have existence in highly etherealized bodies, which can be transported at pleasure to any remote or distant region of Jehovah's empire, with a celerity surpassing—possibly—the flight of electricity itself.

Angels, as "spirits," are immortal, and hence will live forever. And thus also our own spirits must live forever, because derived from the spirit-life of God. Revelations furnish us abundant evidence of the spirit nature of angels. They were oft present and speaking with the prophets, and were yet invisible, as also within doors where locks and bars precluded the possibility of substance, or of earth-life animation entering. And yet again, we have evidence of their appearing in tangible form, and could be seen, and felt, and we read of their being "entertained as men unawares." When, however, they appeared as angels, we learn that their bodily aspect was that of transcendent beauty; their face and form resplendent with light, and a halo, as of Divinity itself, shone around them.

It seems that angels have ever manifested a deep and abiding interest in behalf of our Earth, and of man. We are told that they celebrated the creation of this world "with songs of praise and shouts of joy." At the time of the birth of the Saviour, an angel from God appeared to the shepherds, who were watching their flocks by night, and announced the "glad tidings of great joy, and immediately there appeared with the angel, a multitude of the heavenly hosts" sounding loud the anthem of praise, "Glory to God in the highest, peace on Earth and good-will to men." How strange this incident! The tongues of men were silent in this the hour of dawn of their redemption, and the angels alone heralded the event, and sang the anthem of praise. An angel subsequently warned Joseph to seek a place of safety for the "Infant of days," as "Herod, the King, would seek to destroy the young child's life."

During the Saviour's sojourn on Earth, how oft did angels appear and minister unto Him; even "strengthening Him," when His human nature staggered under the load of the sins of a guilty world. And when—seemingly—the "star of Bethlehem" had set, and the hope of the world seemed lost; when the promised Messiah was entombed; when dismay seized upon, and thick darkness shrouded the minds of all who had followed the Saviour; when even the Marys who loved Him, repaired at early dawn to shed their tears at His sepulchre: Behold! "The angel of the Lord was there;" had "rolled away the stone and sat upon it." He did not need to inquire their errand, but said unto them: "I know it is Jesus whom ye seek, he is not here, for He is risen." Oh, see what interest the angels have ever manifested in our behalf! "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister unto those who shall be the heirs of salvation?"