who inspire self-conceit, are driven away, and good angels, who are all humble—for they are in the likeness of him who was "meek and lowly in heart,"—come about him and strengthen him with thoughts of truth and affections of good, and thus arm him for the battles of the day. He goes forth thus in a panoply of heavenly armor: the angelic hosts, whom prayer, together with reading the Divine Word, have drawn about him, attend him on his way; and then, when temptation comes, they fight for him, while he at the same time struggles as of himself; and by their united efforts—the Lord, too, being in the midst—all enemies are overcome, and victory, spiritual victory is the result. He has that day fought with and conquered some evils: he has that day kept the Divine commandments; and consequently he is so far purified and "delivered from evil," and is one step nearer the kingdom of heaven. And a succession of such days, week after week, month after month, year after year,—will at length perfect the work, and complete his regeneration; and then, when his last day on earth comes,—being now delivered from evil and filled with good, he will rise to his place amid the angelic host, where "in the Lord's presence is fulness of joy, and at his right hand are pleasures for evermore." Amen.
