Dist. 11, Divisio Textus
by St. Bonaventure
Source text: Public Domain Mark 1.0. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://bonaventure.wrootpress.com/browse/2/d/11/q/bon-sent-II-d11-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XI.

#### *On the ministry of the Angels with respect to men.*

*This too must be known, that the good Angels* etc.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above, the Master determined concerning the ministry of the Angels as regards the ministering Angels themselves. In this part he determines concerning the ministry of the Angels by comparison to the man to whom they minister. And since every office or ministry that is praiseworthy and good ought to have its reward, this part therefore has two [sections]. In the first he determines in what manner the Angels, by ministering to men, guard them. In the second he asks whether the Angels, by the very act of ministering, advance in merit or in reward; and that second part begins there: *Furthermore, this too must be considered* etc.

The first part has two [subsections]. In the first he shows that the Angels are deputed to the guardianship of men. In the second he asks and determines whether each individual [Angel] is deputed to the guardianship of each individual [man], there: *But it is wont to be asked, whether each individual* etc.

Likewise the second principal part has two [subsections] according to two opinions, according to which he determines the proposed question in two ways. In the first he sets down the first opinion, which begins there: *Furthermore, this too must be considered* etc. In the second [he sets down] the second [opinion], there: *But others say that the Angels in [their] confirmation* etc. The subdivisions of the parts and the meaning of the Master are evident in the text. For the whole intention of the distinction turns about two matters: namely, about guardianship and about the things consequent upon or annexed to it.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part a doubt arises here concerning two matters.

First, concerning the guardianship of the Angels. Secondly, concerning the things annexed to it.

As regards the first, three [questions] are asked. First it is asked whether the Angels ought to have been deputed to the guardianship of fallen man. Secondly, whether, if man had stood [in his integrity], they would have been deputed to the guardianship of man as instituted [in original justice]. Thirdly, whether any Angel was deputed to the guardianship of Christ.

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