He contemplates them as members of our Christian
congregations, as joining with us in prayer to our heavenly Benefactor,
as taking pleasure when they hear in our {139} assemblies what is
agreeable to the will of God, and as being present too not only
generally in the Christian Church, but also with individual members of
it[50]. But does Origen, therefore, countenance any invocation of them?
Let us appeal to himself.
[Footnote 50: One or two references will supply abundant proof
of this: "I do not doubt that in our congregation angels are
present, not only in general to the whole Church, but also
individually with those of whom it is said, 'Their angels do
always behold the face of my Father who is in heaven.' A twofold
Church is here: one of men, the other of angels. If we say any
thing agreeably to reason and the mind of Scripture, the angels
rejoice to pray with us." And a little above, "Our Saviour,
therefore, as well as the Holy Spirit, who spoke by the
prophets, instructs not only men, but angels and invisible
powers."--Hom, xxiii. in Luc. vol. iii. p. 961.
"Whoever, therefore, confessing his sins, repents, or confesses
Christ before men in persecutions, is applauded by his brethren.
For there is joy and gladness to the angels in heaven over one
sinner that repenteth.
Pages:
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164
165
166
167
168
169
170
171
172