Choose a topic from Part 1:
1. The angels that rebelled and became demons did not losetheir nature or their connatural gifts. They cast away, by theirsin, the grace in which they were created. They did not cast awaythe beatific vision, for they never had it. Now, if we think ofangelic orders as orders of angels in glory, then, of course, thereare no orders of bad angels. But if we consider angelic orders asorders of angelic nature simply, there are orders among thedemons.
2. Certainly, there is a precedence among bad angels;there is a subjection of some to others.
3. Demons of superior nature do not enlighten inferiordemons; enlightenment here could only mean the manifestation oftruth with reference to God, and the fallen angels have perverselyand permanently turned away from God. But demons can speak to oneanother, that is, they can make known their thoughts to oneanother, for this ability belongs to the angelic nature which thedemons retain.
4. The nearer creatures are to God the greater is theirrule over other creatures. Therefore, the good angels rule andcontrol the demons.
"For what would it profit us to know the whole Bible by heart and the principles of all the philosophers if we live without grace and the love of God?"
Thomas á Kempis
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"When the devil has failed in making a man fall, he puts forward all his energies to create distrust between the penitent and the confessor, and so by little and little he gains his end at last."
St Philip Neri
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"God commands not impossibilities, but by commanding he suggests to you to do what you can, to ask for what is beyond your strength; and he helps you, that you may be able."
St Augustine
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