The Second of the Regulative Choirs of the Holy Angels is called the Virtues. They represent unshaken fortitude in the cause of God. Among the Saints on earth, the Martyrs represent their spirit of undaunted courage in the cause of God. The Apostles after the Resurrection were endowed with it. All those who boldly confess Christ before men, or endure shame for His sake, share the same spirit. Am I one of these brave soldiers of Jesus, or do I play the coward from fear of man and human respect?

The office of the Virtues is to be the instruments through which God works His miracles. They have the arrangement and control of them committed to their hands. Unshaken fortitude is the characteristic of all who work miracles in God's name. Hence the miraculous power of Eliseus, St. Paul, St. Francis Xavier, and others. If I am to do great things for God, I must be brave, I must deny myself, I must not yield to human respect.

The Virtues among the Angelic hosts have also the task of dispensing the graces of God, which make difficult things easy. How wonderful is the power of God's grace! Suffering and persecution, and even death itself become sweet to those, who have the grace of God aiding and consoling them, and giving them strength to endure and filling them with supernatural joy. God has always ready the grace necessary for us, if we will only avail ourselves of it. Courage then, faint heart, in every trial!