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Objection 1: It would seem that enlightenment is in the demons.
For enlightenment means the manifestation of the truth. But one demon
can manifest truth to another, because the superior excel in natural
knowledge. Therefore the superior demons can enlighten the inferior.
Objection 2: Further, a body abounding in light can enlighten a
body deficient in light, as the sun enlightens the moon. But the
superior demons abound in the participation of natural light.
Therefore it seems that the superior demons can enlighten the
inferior.
On the contrary, Enlightenment is not without cleansing and
perfecting, as stated above (Question 106, Article 1). But
to cleanse does not befit the demons, according to the words: "What
can be made clean by the unclean?" (Ecclus. 34:4). Therefore
neither can they enlighten.
I answer that, There can be no enlightenment properly speaking among
the demons. For, as above explained (Question 107, Article
2), enlightenment properly speaking is the manifestation of the truth
in reference to God, Who enlightens every intellect. Another kind
of manifestation of the truth is speech, as when one angel manifests
his concept to another. Now the demon's perversity does not lead one
to order another to God, but rather to lead away from the Divine
order; and so one demon does not enlighten another; but one can make
known his mental concept to another by way of speech.
Reply to Objection 1: Not every kind of manifestation of the truth
is enlightenment, but only that which is above described.
Reply to Objection 2: According to what belongs to natural
knowledge, there is no necessary manifestation of the truth either in
the angels, or in the demons, because, as above explained (Question
55, Article 2; Question 58, Article 2; Question 79,
Article 2), they know from the first all that belongs to their
natural knowledge. So the greater fulness of natural light in the
superior demons does not prove that they can enlighten others.
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