What do we mean when we speak of Angelic Purity? We mean, first of all, a perfect hatred and contempt for all sinful pleasures of sense, and a due esteem of their vileness and worthlessness. We mean a firm determination to resist any temptation to any indulgence of our bodies which is opposed to the will of God. We mean, moreover, a most careful avoidance of all that could lead us to offend God by evil thoughts or imaginations; a careful custody of our eyes, a watchfulness over all our senses, and a continual modesty of demeanor. Can I lay claim to all this?

The purity of the Angels is much more than this. It includes also complete detachment from all thought of themselves, from all self-will, from all desire to further their own glory. In this, what a contrast to myself, who am continually dwelling on self, cherishing my self-love, resenting any injuries that self has suffered! All this is not angelic, but very much the opposite.

The purity of the Angels consists above all in their whole nature being centred upon God. He is the one object of their existence. His glory and His honor their only motive of action. Their only joy is to serve Him, to praise Him, to show Him reverence. Everything apart from Him is worthless in their sight. This is what gives them their exceeding happiness. This is what I must seek after, if I am to attain angelic purity.