Angels

Back in November 1997 a brother in one of the South Wales Assembly felt  exercised to ask various "speakers" from among the Assemblies to participate in a series of Biblical subjects.

The subjects were very demanding of effort in studying the Word of God, but I believe were of a good measure of help and edification for the gathered believers.

I was "allocated" the subject of Angels, an unusual but  interesting task. I had never heard any ministry of length on this subject, but nevertheless a goodly number of references to angels had been my experience.

A few weeks ago I discovered a modern reprint of a nineteenth century compilation edited by one who chose to use his initials, with no other means of identification. As such practice among "Brethren" was prevalent during that century I searched for some enlightenment as to the writers' identity. His initials appear in the invaluable book "Brethren Writers: Handbook for the Serious Collector," by Arnold D. Ehlert. I have found his listings to be very accurate, with but a few errors, which is hardly surprising considering the nature of such a work.

Feeling fairly confident that the author of "A Book of Angels" was probably an Assembly-based believer I took a little risk and purchased it; it was "not that expensive" was how I justified that risk! But it took a long time for it to finally arrive.

It proved to be a huge disappointment with not the faintest suggestion of "Brethren" influence. It is filled with quotations from various "Bishops," and even has a number of secular poems of no spiritual value at all, of course. It is further replete with superstitious, and the most fanciful illustrations of so-called angels, such that are not worthy of simple censure; they are indeed an  abomination.  

L.P also edited a compilation in 1906, entitled: "The Inheritance of the Saints." I will studiously avoid that tome!

I have learnt a valuable lesson due to the lack of due diligence in searching out the necessary information to fully confirm the origin of this particular book. I was deceived by my eagerness o have found another "treasure," and I feel suitably humbled, if not humiliated.

It is apparent that in the nineteenth century it was common practice for authors to adopt this method of, (I feel like saying,) "partial identification" with their writings. And so I suppose this is a gentle warning that may prove helpful to others and make me fel a little less stupid!