Original Douay–Rheims AnnotationsTobit 12

I offered thy prayer to our Lord.

Here the Angel Raphael reporteth certain good offices, ^[1] which he had done for Tobias. He did other like for his son, and for Raguel, and his daughter, which are likewise recorded in this Book. And the whole world, especially God's servants, receive continual great benefits by holy Angels, as partly may be gathered in this holy history, and more else-where. For first the office of Angels is, to assist, or be always ready, ^[2] as most diligent servitors of God, expecting what his divine goodness will appoint them, whither to go, and what to do for the benefit of men: as holy Raphael was sent, when young Tobias wanted a guide. Secondly, Angels offer the prayers of the faithful, or as the Greek text readeth, v. 15. Angels present the prayers of Saints, that is, of godly men and women to God: so Raphael testifieth here himself, ^[3] that he offered Tobias' prayers to our Lord. Thirdly, ^[4] Angels aid and assist those that love purity of life, sincere service of God, hate vice, embrace virtue, and do works of mercy; so Raphael assisted Tobias, when he travailed to bury the dead, flying from the King's fury, and hiding himself, ch. 1. v. 21. 23. Fourthly, ^[5] Angels exhort to good works, as in this 12. chapter, v. 6. 8. 9. 10. 18. Fifthly, ^[6] they suggest and instruct what to do, ch. 6. v. 4. 5. Raphael taught young Tobias to take the fish, unbowel him, reserve parts thereof, v. 11. 12. 13. advised him to lodge at Raguel's house, to demand Sara to wife, and v. 6. 17. instructed him, against whom devils have power. Sixthly, ^[7] they expel devils from persons, and places, ch. 8. v. 3. Raphael took and bound the devil Asmodeus in the desert of higher Ægypt. Seventhly, ^[8] they deliver men from dangers & evils, c. 6. v. 3. as when the great fish assaulted Tobias, & Sara from molestation and slander, and old Tobias from blindness. chap. 3. v. 10. ch. 11. v. 8. ch. 12. v. 14. Eighthly, when it redoundeth to the honour and more service of God, and good of the soul, ^[9] Angels procure riches, and worldly commodities, ch. 12. v. 3. Young Tobias gratefully confessed the great benefits received by his guide, concluding generally, by him we are replenished (saith he) with all good things. Ninthly, Good Angels also prove men, for their mere merit, so the Angel witnesseth ch. 12. v. 13. Because thou wast acceptable to God, it was necessary, that tentation should prove thee. Tenthly, and finally (for we remit the reader to larger documents of others) ^[10] after proof of patience, fortitude, and other virtues, holy Angels comfort good men; so Raphael encouraged old Tobias, saying, ch. 5. v. 13. his blindness should shortly be cured. ch. 12. v. 12. shewed him how grateful his prayers with tears and works of mercy were in God's sight. ^[11] He comforted Raguel and his family by bringing young Tobias to their house, ch. 7. v. 5. Much more, ch. 8. v. 16. both them and all Tobias his family, by driving away the devil; and lastly by revealing himself unto them. So holy Angels, ^[12] especially the proper guardian patrons of every one, are always ready to help men; guard them, exhort them to good, do instruct them, do expel evil spirits, and deliver men from many evils & dangers, do procure them temporal commodities, prove their virtues, offer their prayers and good works, assist them all their lives, and at their deaths, then also bring their souls to the Judgement seat, and (if they die in good state) to eternal joy and glory, whereof the ancient fathers' writings are full. S. Gregory the great in his Dialogue, li. 4. c. 58. S. Athanasius li. de communi essentia. S. Chrysostom. ho. 3. in Epist. ad Coloss. li. 6. de Sacerdotio. Gregorius Turonen. li. de gloria Martyrum & Confessorum. S. Augustin Epist. ad Probam. c. 9. Epist. 68. ad fratres in eremo. li. 11. c. 31. civit. & octoginta trium. qq. q. 79. Our Saviour himself testifieth that Angels rejoice at the conversion of a sinner. Luc. 15. and therefore, they know and have care of men's states in this life, and finally Angels carried the soul of poor Lazarus into Abraham's bosom. Luc. 16.

• 1 Offices of Angels towards men.
• 2 Ready to help all.
• 3 Offer men's prayers and good works.
• 4 Aid the godly.
• 5 Exhort to good.
• 6 Instruct.
• 7 Expel evil spirits.
• 8 Deliver from evils and dangers.
• 9 Procure temporal commodities for the soul's good.
• 10 Prove the good by tribulations.
• 11 Comfort the patient and all virtuous.
• 12 Angels Guardians have special care of souls committed to their charge.