This second hierarchy is also made up of three orders.

The first of these, the order of Dominions, receives the divine commands; the second, the order of Powers, moves the heavens, sun, moon, planets, and stars, opens and shuts the "windows of heaven," and brings to pass all other celestial phenomena; the third, the order of Empire, guards the others.
The third and lowest hierarchy is also made up of three orders.

First of these are the Principalities, the guardian spirits of nations and kingdoms.

Next come Archangels; these protect religion, and bear the prayers of the saints to the foot of God's throne.

Finally come Angels; these care for earthly affairs in general, one being appointed to each mortal, and others taking charge of the qualities of plants, metals, stones, and the like.