Dist. 8, Part 1, 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/8/q/bon-sent-II-d8-p1-divisio
----------------------------------------
### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION VIII.
### Part I.

*Of the power of the demons, which they have over bodies like to those of men.*

**"It is also wont to be raised in question," etc.**

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above, the Master treated of the power of the demons with respect to bodily creatures in general; in this part he treats of their power with respect to men. And this part is divided into two. In the first he treats of the power of the demons or of the Angels over bodies like to those of men. In the second, by contrast, he treats of the power which they have over men, below in the same distinction: *That also is to be considered* etc.

The first part has two [subdivisions]. In the first he determines in what manner the Angels assume bodies. In the second, by way of digression, he brings in a doubtful question of Augustine which touches this matter, and he settles it, there: *But where God [appeared] to men in bodily forms* etc. The first part [again] has two. In the first he determines the manner by which the demons have bodies joined to themselves. In the second, by contrast, he determines the act, there: *And sometimes, indeed, they have spoken* etc. Likewise the second part has two. In the first he raises the question; in the second he settles it. The first he does there: *But where God [appeared] to men* etc. In the second, by contrast, he settles what is certain, leaving the doubts aside, there: *But these matters, as too [obscure to determine]* etc.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part, three things are asked concerning the assumption of bodies by the Angels, both good and evil.

The first regards the union of body and spirit. The second [regards] the formation of the assumed body. The third regards the operation of the formed and assumed body.

Concerning the first, two things are asked. First it is asked whether the Angels have bodies naturally united to themselves. Secondly, whether they have bodies voluntarily assumed.

---