§ 4. On the Angels.
59. Has God created nothing else but the visible world?
God has also created an invisible world — namely innumerable spirits called Angels (Dan. vii. 10).
The Angels are divided into nine different Orders or Choirs — namely, Angels, Archangels, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Dominations, Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim (Col. i. 16; Eph. i. 21; Ezech. x.; Isai. vi. 2).
60. In what state were the Angels when God had created them?
They were all good and happy, and endowed with excellent gifts.
61. Did the Angels all remain good and happy?
No, many rebelled against God; therefore they were cast away from Him for ever, and hurled into hell.
' God spared not the Angels that sinned, but delivered them, drawn down by infernal ropes to the lower hell, unto torments' (2 Pet. ii. 4; comp. Jude vi.).
62. How has God rewarded the Angels that remained faithful?
He has rewarded them with eternal happiness, which consists in seeing and possessing Him everlastingly.
'Their Angels in Heaven always see the face of my Father who is in Heaven' (Matt, xviii. 10).
63. How are the good Angels affected towards us?
The good Angels love us; therefore they protect us in soul and body, pray for us, and exhort us to do good.
'He hath given His Angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways' (Ps. xc. 11). — Examples: Agar, Lot, Tobias, Judas Machabeus (2 Mach. x. 29, 30); Peter in prison; Cornelius the centurion.
64. How do we call those Angels who are particularly given to man for his protection?
Guardian Angels.
65. What is our duty towards our Guardian Angels?
