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109. Orders Among the Fallen Angels

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.

"It is better to be burdened and in company with the strong than to be unburdened and with the weak. When you are burdened you are close to God, your strength, who abides with the afflicted. When you are relieved of the burden you are close to yourself, your own weakness; for virtue and strength of soul grow and are confirmed in the trials of patience."
St John of the Cross, OCD - Doctor of the Church

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"The greatest glory we can give to God is to do his will in everything."
St Alphonsus de Liguori

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"If you wish to learn and appreciate something worth while, then love to be unknown and considered as nothing. Truly to know and despise self is the best and most perfect counsel."
Thomas á Kempis

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