“Papa,” said the son of Bishop Berkeley, “what is the meaning of
the words ‘cherubim’ and ‘seraphim’ in the Bible?” “Cherubim,”
replied his father, “is a Hebrew word signifying knowledge;
seraphim is another word of the same language, and signifies
flame; whence it is supposed that the cherubim are angels who
excel in knowledge, and that the seraphim are angels who excel
in loving God.” “I hope, then,” said the little boy, “when I die
I shall be a seraph; for I would rather love God than know all
things.”
The child had the right sentiment, if not the right theology.
(1921)