- Whether to guard men belongs only to the lowest order of angels?
Whether to guard men belongs only to the lowest order of angels?
Objections
❌ Objection 1 : It would seem that the guardianship of men does not belong only to the lowest order of the angels. For Chrysostom says that the text (Mt. 18:10), "Their angels in heaven," etc. is to be understood not of any angels but of the highest. Therefore the superior angels guard men.
❌ Objection 2 : Further, the Apostle says that angels "are sent to minister for them who shall receive the inheritance of salvation" (Heb. 1:14); and thus it seems that the mission of the angels is directed to the guardianship of men. But five orders are sent in external ministry (Question [112], Article [4]). Therefore all the angels of the five orders are deputed to the guardianship of men.
❌ Objection 3 : Further, for the guardianship of men it seems especially necessary to coerce the demons, which belongs most of all to the Powers, according to Gregory (Hom. xxxiv in Evang.); and to work miracles, which belongs to the Virtues. Therefore these orders are also deputed to the work of guardianship, and not only the lowest order.