Thought to be Rev. Henri-Marie Boudon's (1624-1702) most popular work, this book seeks to cultivate a widespread devotion to the Holy Angels in general and to their nine choirs in particular. Until this edition was translated from the French in 1869, it was thought that literature devoted to these angelic beings was severely lacking in the English-speaking world. The translator himself agrees that this title, widely praised in France, is unsurpassed in its "simplicity, unction and power." Beyond its attractive literary and devotional style, the reader can be assured of its theological soundness. The author believes that sacrilegious violations of the altar are in part the result of a widespread disregard for the supernatural realities of which the Holy Angels are a part and calls upon their counsel and assistance to remedy these wrongs. As a master spiritual director, Boudon knows the devilish strategies employed by the spiritual enemies of God who seek the destruction of souls. He shows how believers can call upon these powerful angelic forces to rally a superior defense. Our devotion to these "Powers of Heaven" will protect us from the machinations and "plottings" of Hell. Children are encouraged to pray to their guardian angels for protection; to ignore these powerful advocates as adults would be unwise because such indifference and neglect makes us defenseless against the temptations of the Enemy.
