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Hierarchy is a multitude ordered and arranged under a
leader, and it is said to be one inasmuch as the multitude
is able to perceive the government of the leader in one and
the same way. The mode of cognition and illumination in
the angels, however, is threefold. Some angels draw the
light of truth immediately from God, as ministers sitting
beside the king; others draw the light of truth from the
more universal created causes, as senators and governors
of provinces; others draw this light from particular
causes, as presiding officers of particular cities. In
the first hierarchy there are three orders: seraphim,
cherubim, and thrones; in the second, there are
dominations, virtues, and powers; in the third, there
are principalities, archangels, and angels.[1235]
These orders are named according to their properties and
duties. In the fallen angels, since these retain their
natures, a subordination remains, not because of any
friendship between them, but because of their common
wickedness, and to be pre-eminent in evil is to be more
miserable.
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