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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.

"A man should keep himself down, and not busy himself in mirabilibus super se."
St Philip Neri

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"God looks neither at long nor beautiful prayers, but at those that come from the heart."
The Cure D'Ars

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"Men should often renew their good resolutions, and not lose heart because they are tempted against them."
St Philip Neri

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