Chapter 79 — That the lower intellectual substances are ruled by the higher

Since some intellectual creatures are higher than others, as we have shown, (Bk. 2, cc. 91, 95.) the lower intellectual nature must be governed by the higher.

Again. The more universal powers move the particular powers, as already stated. (Ch. 128.) And the higher intellectual natures have more universal forms, as we have proved. (Bk. 2, ch. 98.) Therefore, they rule the lower intellectual natures.

Besides. The intellective faculty that is nearer to the principle is always found to be the ruler of the intellectual faculty that is more distant from the principle: this is evident both in speculative and in practical science. For the speculative science that receives its principles of demonstration from another is said to be subalternate to it, and the practical science that is nearer to the end, which is the principle in practical matters, (Nicomachean Ethics 7.3.) is the master science in comparison with the more distant. Since, then, some intellectual substances are nearer to the first principle (namely, God), as we have shown, (Bk. 2, cc. 95, 78.) they will be the rulers of the others.

Moreover. The higher intellectual substances receive the influence of divine wisdom more perfectly, since each one receives something according to its mode. Now all things are governed by divine wisdom, so that those which have the greater share of divine wisdom govern those which have the smaller share. Therefore, the lower intellectual substances are governed by the higher.

Therefore, the higher spirits are called angels, inasmuch as they direct the lower spirits as though by message (for angels are called messengers). They are also called ministers, insofar as by their operation they execute the order of divine providence even in corporeal things, because a minister is like an animate instrument, according to the Philosopher. (Politics 1.2.) This is what is said in the Psalm: Who makes your angels spirits, and your ministers a burning fire (Ps 104[103]:4).