A. To the First Argument

314. To the arguments of the question [nn.285-308].

To the first [n.285] I say it is not unacceptable that every creature, however perfect it be (provided however it not have in essence all perfection), is capable of or has a potential with respect to some perfection, although the perfection is lesser than the creature’s nature - just as an angel has intellection, which is a perfection of his intellective power, and yet intellection is less noble simply than angelic nature; and so can one concede about ‘where’ or corporeal presence with an angel [sc. that ‘where’ or corporeal presence is some perfection or act of an angel], just as the angelic nature is said to be an ‘act’ (though in a far different way) for the angel in whom it is.