Q2. The act of faith

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Greco-Christian stream·Opera Omnia Sancti Thomae (Complete Works of Thomas Aquinas)·Summa Theologiae·Secunda Secundae·Q2. The act of faith

Source context

Theme: faith as an interior act of the intellect moved by will toward assent to unseen divine truth
Soul-faculty: Consciousness Soul

Steiner

GA 131, 1911-10-07In his reading of Soloviev, Steiner notes that faith oriented toward Christ is characterized as both an inner duty and a freely performed act, underscoring the volitional dimension of assent that Aquinas analyzes in Q2.
GA 243, 1924-08-22Steiner observes that what materialist investigators call knowledge is in effect an act of faith, implicitly affirming Aquinas's structural claim that assent can operate below the threshold of full rational demonstration.
GA 246, 1908-08-17Steiner identifies the late-medieval sharpening of the distinction between faith achieved through subjective inner movement and knowledge achieved through reason as a critical fault-line in Western intellectual history, directly relevant to Aquinas's analysis of faith's proper act in Q2.

Cross-tradition

Vedanta — shraddhaShraddha in Advaita Vedanta denotes a trustful, non-discursive assent to scriptural testimony (shabda pramana) that enables inquiry to proceed, showing cross-tradition congruence with Aquinas's account of faith as assent preceding full rational vision.
Aristotelian epistemology — pistisAristotle's pistis designates a mode of conviction short of episteme, providing a pre-scholastic structural parallel to Aquinas's positioning of faith between mere opinion and scientia in Q2.

Article 1

[II-II.q.2.a.1.arg.1] It would seem that to believe is not to think with assent. Because the Latin word "cogitatio" [thought] implies a research, for "cogitare" [to think] seems to be equivalent to "coagitare," i.e. "to discuss together." Now Damascene says (De Fide Orth. iv) that faith is "an assent without research." Therefore thinking has no place in the act of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.arg.1] Ad primum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod « credere non sit cum assensione cogitare. » Cogitatio enim importat quamdam inquisitionem ; dicitur enim cogitare, quasi coagitare, vel simul agitare. Sed Damascenus dicit in lib. IV Orth. fid., c. xi, col. 4127, t. 1, quod « fides est non inquisitivus assensus. » Ergo cogitare non pertinet ad actum fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.arg.2] Further, faith resides in the reason, as we shall show further on (4, 2). Now to think is an act of the cogitative power, which belongs to the sensitive faculty, as stated in I, 78, 4. Therefore thought has nothing to do with faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.arg.2] 2. Præterea, fides in ratione ponitur, ut infra dicetur. Sed cogitare est actus cogitativæ potentiæ, quæ pertinet ad partem sensitivam, ut in primo dictum est. Ergo cogitatio ad fidem non pertinet.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.arg.3] Further, to believe is an act of the intellect, since its object is truth. But assent seems to be an act not of the intellect, but of the will, even as consent is, as stated above (I-II, 15, 1, ad 3). Therefore to believe is not to think with assent.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.arg.3] 3. Præterea, credere est actus intellectus, quia ejus objectum est verum. Sed assentire non videtur esse actus intellectus, sed voluntatis, sicut etiam consentire, ut supra dictum est. Ergo credere non est cum assensione cogitare. Sed in contrarium est quod Augustinus sic definit credere in lib. De prædestinatione sanctorum, cap. π, § 5, col. 963, t. 40.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.sc] This is how "to believe" is defined by Augustine (De Praedest. Sanct. ii).

[II-II.q.2.a.1.co] "To think" can be taken in three ways. First, in a general way for any kind of actual consideration of the intellect, as Augustine observes (De Trin. xiv, 7): "By understanding I mean now the faculty whereby we understand when thinking." Secondly, "to think" is more strictly taken for that consideration of the intellect, which is accompanied by some kind of inquiry, and which precedes the intellect's arrival at the stage of perfection that comes with the certitude of sight. On this sense Augustine says (De Trin. xv, 16) that "the Son of God is not called the Thought, but the Word of God. When our thought realizes what we know and takes form therefrom, it becomes our word. Hence the Word of God must be understood without any thinking on the part of God, for there is nothing there that can take form, or be unformed." In this way thought is, properly speaking, the movement of the mind while yet deliberating, and not yet perfected by the clear sight of truth. Since, however, such a movement of the mind may be one of deliberation either about universal notions, which belongs to the intellectual faculty, or about particular matters, which belongs to the sensitive part, hence it is that "to think" is taken secondly for an act of the deliberating intellect, and thirdly for an act of the cogitative power.

Accordingly, if "to think" be understood broadly according to the first sense, then "to think with assent," does not express completely what is meant by "to believe": since, in this way, a man thinks with assent even when he considers what he knows by science [Science is certain knowledge of a demonstrated conclusion through its demonstration.], or understands. If, on the other hand, "to think" be understood in the second way, then this expresses completely the nature of the act of believing. For among the acts belonging to the intellect, some have a firm assent without any such kind of thinking, as when a man considers the things that he knows by science, or understands, for this consideration is already formed. But some acts of the intellect have unformed thought devoid of a firm assent, whether they incline to neither side, as in one who "doubts"; or incline to one side rather than the other, but on account of some slight motive, as in one who "suspects"; or incline to one side yet with fear of the other, as in one who "opines." But this act "to believe," cleaves firmly to one side, in which respect belief has something in common with science and understanding; yet its knowledge does not attain the perfection of clear sight, wherein it agrees with doubt, suspicion and opinion. Hence it is proper to the believer to think with assent: so that the act of believing is distinguished from all the other acts of the intellect, which are about the true or the false.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod cogitare tripliciter sumi potest : uno modo communiter pro qualicumque actuali consideratione intellectus, sicut Augustinus dicit in XIV De Trin., cap. vii, § 40, col. 1044, t. 8 : « Hanc nunc dico intelligentiam, qua intelligimus cogitantes. » Alio modo dicitur « cogitare » magis proprie consideratio intellectus, quæ est cum quadam inquisitione, antequam perveniatur ad perfectionem intellectus per certitudinem visionis; et secundum hoc Augustinus dicit, XV De Trinitate, cap. xvi, § 25, col. 1079, t. 8, quod « Dei Filius non cogitatio dicitur, sed Verbum Dei dicitur. Cogitatio quippe nostra perveniens ad id quod scimus atque inde formata, verbum nostrum est. Et ideo Verbum Dei sine cogitatione Dei debet intelligi, non habens aliquid formabile quod esse possit informe. » Et secundum hoc cogitatio proprie dicitur motus animi deliberantis, nondum perfecti per plenam visionem veritatis. Sed quia talis motus potest esse vel animi deliberantis circa intentiones universales, quod pertinet ad intellectivam partem, vel circa intentiones particulares, quod pertinet ad partem sensitivam, ideo « cogitare » secundo modo sumitur pro actu intellectus deliberantis ; tertio modo pro actu virtutis cogitativæ. Si ergo « cogitare » sumatur communiter secundum primum modum, sic hoc quod dicitur cum « assensione cogitare, » non dicit totam rationem ejus quod est « credere ; » nam per hunc modum etiam qui considerat ea quæ scit, vel intelligit, cum assensione cogitat. Si vero sumatur « cogitare » secundo modo, sic in hoc intelligitur tota ratio hujus actus qui est « credere. » Actuum enim ad intellectum pertinentium quidem habent firmam assensionem absque tali cogitatione, sicut cum aliquis considerat ea quæ scit vel intelligit; talis enim consideratio jam est formata. Quidam vero actus intellectus habent quidem cogitationem informem absque firma assensione, sive in neutram partem declinent, sicut accidit dubitanti; sive in unam partem magis declinent, sed tenentur aliquo levi signo, sicut accidit suspicanti; sive uni parti adhæreant, tamen cum formidine alterius, quod accidit opinanti. Sed actus iste qui est « credere, » habet firmam adhæsionem ad unam partem : in quo con- venit credens cum sciente et intelligente; et tamen ejus cognitio non est perfecta per maximam visionem, in quo convenit cum dubitante, suspicante et opinante; et sic proprium est credentis ut cum assensu co-gitet. Et propter hoc distinguitur iste actus qui est « credere, » ab omnibus actibus intellectus, qui sunt circa verum vel falsum.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.ad.1] Faith has not that research of natural reason which demonstrates what is believed, but a research into those things whereby a man is induced to believe, for instance that such things have been uttered by God and confirmed by miracles.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod fides non habet inquisitionem rationis naturalis demonstrantis id quod creditur : habet tamen inquisitionem quamdam eorum per quæ inducitur homo ad credendum, puta quia sunt dicta a Deo, et miraculis confirmata.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.ad.2] "To think" is not taken here for the act of the cogitative power, but for an act of the intellect, as explained above.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod « cogitare » non sumitur hic prout est actus cogitativæ virtutis, sed prout pertinet ad intellectum, ut dictum est.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.ad.3] The intellect of the believer is determined to one object, not by the reason, but by the will, wherefore assent is taken here for an act of the intellect as determined to one object by the will.

[II-II.q.2.a.1.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod intellectus credentis determinatur ad unum, non per rationem, sed per voluntatem; et ideo assensus hic accipitur pro actu intellectus, secundum quod a voluntate determinatur ad unum.

Article 2

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.1] Objection 1. It would seem that the act of faith is unsuitably distinguished as believing God, believing in a God, and believing in God. For one habit has but one act. Now faith is one habit since it is one virtue. Therefore it is unreasonable to say that there are three acts of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.1] Ad secundum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod inconvenienter distinguantur actus fidei per hoc quod est « credere Deo, credere Deum et credere in Deum. » Unius 1. Al. : « Manifestam. » — 2. Al. : « fidei. » 3. Primo loco distinguit credere Christum et credere in Christum; secundo autem loco, credere Deo et credere in Deum, ut videre est. Ad assensum fidei voluntatis motio requiritur : sic communiter theologi contra Scotum, si P. Gonet fidem adhibeas. Sed audi Scotum : « Credibili sufficienter præsentato, non necessario credit intellectus... non credit nisi volens, » III, d. xxv, q. 1, n. 11. Hæc motio voluntatis, quamvis pia, non tamen est charitas, ut vult Van Roy; damnavit etenim Alexander papa propositionem istam : « Quando in magnis peccatoribus deficit omnis amor, deficit etiam fides, et etiamsi videantur cre-enim habitus unus est actus. Sed fides est unus habitus, cum sit una virtus. Ergo inconvenienter ponuntur plures actus ejus.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.2] Objection 2. Further, that which is common to all acts of faith should not be reckoned as a particular kind of act of faith. Now "to believe God" is common to all acts of faith, since faith is founded on the First Truth. Therefore it seems unreasonable to distinguish it from certain other acts of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.2] 2. Præterea, id quod est commune omni actui fidei, non debet poni ut particularis actus fidei. Sed credere Deo inventur communiter in quolibet actu fidei, quia fides innititur primæ veritati. Ergo videtur quod inconvenienter distinguatur a quibusdam aliis actibus fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.3] Objection 3. Further, that which can be said of unbelievers, cannot be called an act of faith. Now unbelievers can be said to believe in a God. Therefore it should not be reckoned an act of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.3] 3. Præterea, id quod convenit etiam non fidelibus, non potest poni inter fidei actus. Sed credere Deum esse convenit etiam infidelibus. Ergo non debet poni inter actus fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.4] Objection 4. Further, movement towards the end belongs to the will, whose object is the good and the end. Now to believe is an act, not of the will, but of the intellect. Therefore "to believe in God," which implies movement towards an end, should not be reckoned as a species of that act.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.arg.4] 4. Præterea, moveri in finem pertinet ad voluntatem, cujus objectum est bonum et finis. Sed credere non est actus voluntatis, sed intellectus. Ergo non debet poni differentia una ejus quod est credere in Deum, quod importat motum in finem.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.sc] On the contrary, is the authority of Augustine who makes this distinction (De Verb. Dom., Serm. lxi--Tract. xxix in Joan.).

[II-II.q.2.a.2.sc] Sed contra est quod Augustinus hanc distinctionem ponit in lib. De verbis Domini, serm. cxliv, cap. II, §2, col. 788, t. 5, et Super Joan., tract. xxix, §6, col. 1631, t. 3.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.co] I answer that, The act of any power or habit depends on the relation of that power or habit to its object. Now the object of faith can be considered in three ways. For, since "to believe" is an act of the intellect, in so far as the will moves it to assent, as stated above (1, ad 3), the object of faith can be considered either on the part of the intellect, or on the part of the will that moves the intellect.

If it be considered on the part of the intellect, then two things can be observed in the object of faith, as stated above (Question 1, Article 1). One of these is the material object of faith, and in this way an act of faith is "to believe in a God"; because, as stated above (Question 1, Article 1) nothing is proposed to our belief, except in as much as it is referred to God. The other is the formal aspect of the object, for it is the medium on account of which we assent to such and such a point of faith; and thus an act of faith is "to believe God," since, as stated above (Question 1, Article 1) the formal object of faith is the First Truth, to Which man gives his adhesion, so as to assent to Its sake to whatever he believes.

Thirdly, if the object of faith be considered in so far as the intellect is moved by the will, an act of faith is "to believe in God." For the First Truth is referred to the will, through having the aspect of an end.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod actus cujus-libet potentiae vel habitus accipitur secundum ordinem potentiae vel habitus ad suum objectum. Objectum autem fidei potest tripliciter considerari. Cum enim credere ad intellectum pertineat, prout est a voluntate motus ad assentiendum, ut dictum est, po-test objectum fidei accipi vel ex parte ipsius intellectus, vel ex parte voluntatis intellectum moventis. Si quidem ex parte intellectus, sic in objecto fidei duo possunt considerari, sicut supra dictum est. Quorum unum est materiale objectum fidei; et sic ponitur actus fidei « credere Deum; » quia, sicut supra dictum est, nihil proponitur nobis ad credendum, nisi secundum quod ad Deum pertinet. dere, non est fides divina, sed humana. » Item, damnata est ista Quesnellii : « Fides non est absque amore et fiducia. » S. Thomas dicit : unum est materiale objectum fidei; — ponitur actus fidei credere Deum.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.ad.1] Reply to Objection 1. These three do not denote different acts of faith, but one and the same act having different relations to the object of faith.

This suffices for the Reply to the Second Objection.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod per ista tria non designantur diversi actus fidei, sed unus et idem actus habens diversam relationem ad fidei objectum. Et per hoc patet responsio ad secundum.

[II-II.q.2.a.2.ad.3] Reply to Objection 3. Unbelievers cannot be said "to believe in a God" as we understand it in relation to the act of faith. For they do not believe that God exists under the conditions that faith determines; hence they do not truly imply believe in a God, since, as the Philosopher observes (Metaph. ix, text. 22) "to know simple things defectively is not to know them at all."

[II-II.q.2.a.2.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod « credere Deum » non convenit infidelibus sub ea ratione qua ponitur actus fidei. Non enim credunt Deum esse sub his conditionibus quas fides determinat; et ideo nec vere Deum credunt; quia, ut Philosophus dicit, IX Metaph., text. 22, « in simplicibus defectus cognitionis est solum in non attingendo totaliter. »

[II-II.q.2.a.2.ad.4] Reply to Objection 4. As stated above (I-II, 9, 1) the will moves the intellect and the other powers of the soul to the end: and in this respect an act of faith is "to believe in God."

[II-II.q.2.a.2.ad.4] Ad quartum dicendum, quod, sicut supra dictum est, voluntas movet intellectum et alias vires animæ in finem; et secundum hoc ponitur actus fidei « credere in Deum. »

Article 3

[II-II.q.2.a.3.arg.1] It would seem unnecessary for salvation to believe anything above the natural reason. For the salvation and perfection of a thing seem to be sufficiently insured by its natural endowments. Now matters of faith, surpass man's natural reason, since they are things unseen as stated above (Question 1, Article 4). Therefore to believe seems unnecessary for salvation.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.arg.1] Ad tertium sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod credere non sit necessarium ad salutem. Ad salutem enim et perfectionem cujuslibet rei ea sufficere videntur quæ conveniunt ei secundum suam naturam. Sed ea quæ sunt fidei, excedunt naturalem hominis rationem, cum sint non apparentia, ut supra dictum est. Ergo credere non videur necessarium esse ad salutem.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.arg.2] Further, it is dangerous for man to assent to matters, wherein he cannot judge whether that which is proposed to him be true or false, according to Job 12:11: "Doth not the ear discern words?" Now a man cannot form a judgment of this kind in matters of faith, since he cannot trace them back to first principles, by which all our judgments are guided. Therefore it is dangerous to believe in such matters. Therefore to believe is not necessary for salvation.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.arg.2] 2. Præterea, periculose homo assentit illis Sic cod. In duobus tamen cod. ex altera manu legitur in margine additum: « aliquid quod est supra rationem, » vel « aliquid supra rationem naturalem. » In nullo codice invenimus: « resolvere; » omnes habent: « restituere; » in tribus tamen altera manus scripsit: « reducere. » in quibus non potest judicare, utrum illud quod ei proponitur, sit verum, vel falsum, secundum illud Job, xii, 11: Nonne auris verba dijudicat? Sed tale judicium homo habere non potest in his quæ sunt fidei; quia homo non potest ea restituere in principia prima per quæ de omnibus judicamus. Ergo periculosum est talibus fidem adhibere. Credere ergo non est necessarium ad salutem.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.arg.3] Further, man's salvation rests on God, according to Psalm 36:39: "But the salvation of the just is from the Lord." Now "the invisible things" of God "are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made; His eternal power also and Divinity," according to Romans 1:20: and those things which are clearly seen by the understanding are not an object of belief. Therefore it is not necessary for man's salvation, that he should believe certain things.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.arg.3] 3. Præterea, salus hominis in Deo consistit, secundum illud psal. xxxv1, 39: Salus autem justorum a Domino. Sed invisibilia Dei per ea quæ facta sunt, intellecta conspiciuntur, sempiterna quoque ejus virtus, et divinitas, ut dicitur Rom., 1, 20; quæ autem conspiciuntur intellectu, non creduntur. Ergo non est necessarium ad salutem ut homo aliqua credat.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.sc] It is written (Hebrews 11:6): "Without faith it is impossible to please God."

[II-II.q.2.a.3.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur Hebr., xi, 6: Sine fide impossibile est placere Deo.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.co] Wherever one nature is subordinate to another, we find that two things concur towards the perfection of the lower nature, one of which is in respect of that nature's proper movement, while the other is in respect of the movement of the higher nature. Thus water by its proper movement moves towards the centre (of the earth), while according to the movement of the moon, it moves round the centre by ebb and flow. On like manner the planets have their proper movements from west to east, while in accordance with the movement of the first heaven, they have a movement from east to west. Now the created rational nature alone is immediately subordinate to God, since other creatures do not attain to the universal, but only to something particular, while they partake of the Divine goodness either in "being" only, as inanimate things, or also in "living," and in "knowing singulars," as plants and animals; whereas the rational nature, in as much as it apprehends the universal notion of good and being, is immediately related to the universal principle of being.

Consequently the perfection of the rational creature consists not only in what belongs to it in respect of its nature, but also in that which it acquires through a supernatural participation of Divine goodness. Hence it was said above (I-II, 3, 8) that man's ultimate happiness consists in a supernatural vision of God: to which vision man cannot attain unless he be taught by God, according to John 6:45: "Every one that hath heard of the Father and hath learned cometh to Me." Now man acquires a share of this learning, not indeed all at once, but by little and little, according to the mode of his nature: and every one who learns thus must needs believe, in order that he may acquire science in a perfect degree; thus also the Philosopher remarks (De Soph. Elench. i, 2) that "it behooves a learner to believe."

Hence in order that a man arrive at the perfect vision of heavenly happiness, he must first of all believe God, as a disciple believes the master who is teaching him.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod in omnibus naturis ordinatis inventur quod ad perfectionem naturæ inferioris duo concurrunt: unum quidem quod est secundum proprium motum; aliud autem quod est secundum motum superioris naturæ; sicut aqua secundum motum proprium movetur ad centrum, secundum autem motum lunæ movetur circa centrum secundum fluxum et refluxum. Similiter etiam orbes planetarum moventur propriis motibus ab occidente in orientem, motu autem primi orbis ab oriente in occidentem. Sola autem natura rationalis creata habet immediatum ordinem ad Deum; quia cæteræ creaturæ non attingunt ad aliquid universale, sed solum ad aliquid particulare, participantes divinam bonitatem vel in essendo tantum, sicut inanimata, vel etiam in vivendo et cognoscendo singularia, sicut plantæ et animalia. Natura autem rationalis, inquantum cognoscit universalem boni et entis rationem, habet immediatum ordinem ad universale essendi principium. Perfectio ergo rationalis creaturæ non solum consistit in eo quod ei competit secundum suam naturam, sed in eo etiam quod ei attribuitur ex quadam supernatu- In Speculo morali articulus iste unicum articulum cum præcedenti efficit sub hac forma: « Et nota quod differt credere Deo, credere Deum et credere in Deum, etc. » Unde, dist. xv, part. Ⅲ, lib. I Speculi moralis, novem solummodo habentur articuli. rali perfectione 1 divinæ bonitatis. Unde et supra dictum est, quod ultima beatitudo hominis consistit in quadam supernaturali Dei visione. Ad quam quidem visionem homo pertingere non potest nisi per modum addiscentis a Deo doctore, secundum illud Joan., vi, 45: Omnis qui audivit a Patre, et didicit, venit ad me. Hujus autem disciplinæ fit homo particeps non statim, sed successive, secundum modum suæ naturæ. Omnis autem talis addiscens oportet quod credat, ad hoc quod ad perfectam scientiam perveniat; sicut etiam Philosophus dicit, lib. I Elench., cap. 11, quod « oportet addiscentem credere. » Unde ad hoc quod homo perveniat ad perfectam visionem beatitudinis, præexigitur quod credat Deo, tanquam discipulus magistro docenti.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.ad.1] Since man's nature is dependent on a higher nature, natural knowledge does not suffice for its perfection, and some supernatural knowledge is necessary, as stated above.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod quia natura hominis dependet a superiori natura, ad ejus perfectionem non sufficit cognitio naturalis, sed requiritur quædam supernaturalis, ut supra dictum est.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.ad.2] Just as man assents to first principles, by the natural light of his intellect, so does a virtuous man, by the habit of virtue, judge aright of things concerning that virtue; and in this way, by the light of faith which God bestows on him, a man assents to matters of faith and not to those which are against faith. Consequently "there is no" danger or "condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus," and whom He has enlightened by faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod sicut homo per naturale lumen intellectus assentit principiis, ita homo virtuosus per habitum fidei 2 habet rectum judicium de his quæ conveniunt illi virtuti; et hoc modo etiam per lumen fidei divinitus infusum homini, homo assentit his quæ sunt fidei, non autem contrariis; et ideo nihil periculi vel damnationis inest his qui sunt in Christo Jesu, ab ipso illuminati per fidem.

[II-II.q.2.a.3.ad.3] In many respects faith perceives the invisible things of God in a higher way than natural reason does in proceeding to God from His creatures. Hence it is written (Sirach 3:25): "Many things are shown to thee above the understandings of man."

[II-II.q.2.a.3.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod invisibilia Dei altiori modo quantum ad plura percipit fides, quam ratio naturalis ex creaturis in Deum procedens. Unde dicitur Eccli., 11, 25: Plurima super sensum hominum ostensa sunt tibi.

Article 4

[II-II.q.2.a.4.arg.1] It would seem unnecessary to believe those things which can be proved by natural reason. For nothing is superfluous in God's works, much less even than in the works of nature. Now it is superfluous to employ other means, where one already suffices. Therefore it would be superfluous to receive by faith, things that can be known by natural reason.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.arg.1] Ad quartum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod ea quæ ratione naturali probari possunt non sit necessarium credere: in operibus enim Dei nihil superfluum inventur, multo minus quam in operibus naturæ. Sed ad id quod per unum potest fieri, superflue apponitur aliud. Ergo ea quæ per naturalem rationem cognosci possunt, superfluum esset per fidem accipere.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.arg.2] Further, those things must be believed, which are the object of faith. Now science and faith are not about the same object, as stated above (1, 4,5). Since therefore all things that can be known by natural reason are an object of science, it seems that there is no need to believe what can be proved by natural reason.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.arg.2] 2. Præterea, ea necesse est credere de quibus est fides. Sed non est de eodem scientia et fides, ut supra habitum est. Cum ergo scientia sit de omnibus illis quæ naturali ratione cognosci possunt, videtur quod non oporteat credere ea quæ per naturalem rationem probantur.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.arg.3] Further, all things knowable scientifically [Science is certain knowledge of a demonstrated conclusion through its demonstration] would seem to come under one head: so that if some of them are proposed to man as objects of faith, in like manner the others should also be believed. But this is not true. Therefore it is not necessary to believe those things which can be proved by natural reason.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.arg.3] 3. Præterea, omnia scibilia videntur esse 1 Sic cod.; in edit.: « participatione. » 2 Sic cod.; in edit: « virtutis; » sed hoc erronee, ut mihi videtur; non enim per habitum fortitudinis, sed potius per habitum « prudentiae » quæ est « recta ratio agibilium, » homo fortis rectum judicium habet de his quæ fortitudini conveniunt. Præceptum fidei obligat per se, simpliciter et absolute. Unde Innocentius XI condemnavit hanc propositionem: « Fides non censetur cadere sub præceptum speciale et secundum se. » Duplex tamen est præceptum fidei: unum affirmativum assentiendi veritatibus revelatis; aliud negativum non negandi fidem susceptam seu agnitam. Hoc secundum obligat pro semper; primum, sicut et alia affirmativa, non pro semper, quamvis semper. Sed quo tempore? 1. Tempore quo pervenitur ad usum rationis et apprehenduntur mysteria fidei tanquam a Deo revelata. Unde Innocentius XI damnavit hanc propositionem: « Ab infidelitate excusabitur infidelis non credens, ductus opinione minus probabili. » 2. In periculo mortis; 3. quando urget gravis tentatio contra fidem; 4. pluries in vita, et hic alii dicunt singulis diebus dominicis et festis, alii singulis mensibus, alii semel in anno, alii in majoribus solemnitatibus, alii aliter. — Sed nonne, primo casu excepto et forsitan ultimo, obligationes illae ad actum fidei accidentales sunt? Quis probare posset eas esse absolutas et per se? Fatemur Innocentium XI damnasse propositiones sequentes: « Satis est actum fidei semel in vita elicere; » « sufficit illa mysteria (scilicet Trinitatis et Incarnationis) semel credidisse. » Sed damnavit eas quia excludere videbantur necessitatem etiam accidentalem actuum fidei, quando semel crediderat actualiter homo. Plures ideo tenent quod posito semel assensu fidei, ejus præceptum affirmativum non amplius obliget per se. Quidquid sit, prima sententia, quæ vult illud obligare per se pluries in vita, securior est in praxi, et consequenter anteponenda practice. Non dubium esse videtur quod præceptum fidei affirmativum obliget per accidens quoties urget aliquod aliud præceptum quod sine fide impleri non potest, v. g., præceptum pœnitentiae, susceptionis sacramenti alicujus, etc.; in omnibus tamen his casibus non exigitur actus fidei expressus et, ut aiunt, in actu signato, sed sufficit actus implicitus et in actu, ut aiunt, exercito. unius rationis. Si ergo quædam eorum proponuntur homini ut credenda, pari ratione omnia hujusmodi necesse est credere. Hoc autem est falsum. Non ergo ea quæ per naturalem rationem cognosci possunt, necesse est credere.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.sc] It is necessary to believe that God is one and incorporeal: which things philosophers prove by natural reason.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.sc] Sed contra est, quia necesse est credere Deum esse unum et incorporeum; quæ naturali ratione a philosophis probantur.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.co] It is necessary for man to accept by faith not only things which are above reason, but also those which can be known by reason: and this for three motives. First, in order that man may arrive more quickly at the knowledge of Divine truth. Because the science to whose province it belongs to prove the existence of God, is the last of all to offer itself to human research, since it presupposes many other sciences: so that it would not by until late in life that man would arrive at the knowledge of God. The second reason is, in order that the knowledge of God may be more general. For many are unable to make progress in the study of science, either through dullness of mind, or through having a number of occupations, and temporal needs, or even through laziness in learning, all of whom would be altogether deprived of the knowledge of God, unless Divine things were brought to their knowledge under the guise of faith. The third reason is for the sake of certitude. For human reason is very deficient in things concerning God. A sign of this is that philosophers in their researches, by natural investigation, into human affairs, have fallen into many errors, and have disagreed among themselves. And consequently, in order that men might have knowledge of God, free of doubt and uncertainty, it was necessary for Divine matters to be delivered to them by way of faith, being told to them, as it were, by God Himself Who cannot lie.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod necessarium est homini accipere per modum fidei non solum ea quæ sunt supra rationem, sed etiam ea quæ per rationem cognosci possunt; et hoc propter tria. Primo quidem ut citius homo ad veritatis divinæ cognitionem perveniat. Scientia enim ad quam pertinet probare Deum esse, et alia hujusmodi de Deo, ultimo hominibus addiscenda proponitur, præsuppositis multis aliis scientiis; et sic non nisi post multum tempus vitæ suæ homo ad Dei cognitionem perveniret. Secundo, ut cognitio Dei sit communior. Multi enim in studio scientiæ proficere non possunt vel propter hebetudinem ingenii, vel propter alias occupationes et necessitates temporalis vitæ, vel etiam propter torporem addiscendi; qui omnino a Dei cognitione fraudarentur, nisi proponerentur eis divina per modum fidei. Tertio propter certitudinem. Ratio enim humana in rebus divinis est multum deficiens. Cujus signum est, quia philosophi de rebus humanis naturali investigatione perscrutantes in multis erraverunt, et sibi ipsis contraria senserunt. Ut ergo esset indubitata et certa cognitio apud homines de Deo, oportuit quod divina eis per modum fidei traderentur, quasi a Deo dicta, qui mentiri non potest.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.ad.1] The researches of natural reason do not suffice mankind for the knowledge of Divine matters, even of those that can be proved by reason: and so it is not superfluous if these others be believed.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod investigatio naturalis rationis non sufficit humano generi ad cognitionem divinorum, etiam quæ ratione ostendi possunt; et ideo non est superfluum ut talia credantur.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.ad.2] Science and faith cannot be in the same subject and about the same object: but what is an object of science for one, can be an object of faith for another, as stated above (Question 1, Article 5).

[II-II.q.2.a.4.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod de eodem non potest esse scientia et fides apud eumdem; sed id quod est ab uno scitum, potest esse ab alio creditum, ut supra dictum est.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.ad.3] Although all things that can be known by science are of one common scientific aspect, they do not all alike lead man to beatitude: hence they are not all equally proposed to our belief.

[II-II.q.2.a.4.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod etsi omnia scibilia conveniant in ratione scientiæ, non tamen conveniant in hoc quod æqualiter ordinent ad beatitudinem; et ideo non æqualiter omnia proponuntur ut credenda.

Article 5

[II-II.q.2.a.5.arg.1] It would seem that man is not bound to believe anything explicitly. For no man is bound to do what is not in his power. Now it is not in man's power to believe a thing explicitly, for it is written (Romans 10:14-15): "How shall they believe Him, of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach unless they be sent?" Therefore man is not bound to believe anything explicitly.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.arg.1] Ad quintum sic proceditur. 4. Videtur quod non teneatur homo ad credendum aliquid explicite. Nullus enim tenetur ad id quod non est in ejus potestate. Sed credere aliquid explicite non est in hominis potestate; dicitur enim Rom., x, 14: Quomodo credent in illum* quem non audierunt? quomodo autem audient sine prædicante? quomodo vero prædicabunt, nisi mittantur? Ergo credere aliquid explicite homo non tenetur.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.arg.2] Further, just as we are directed to God by faith, so are we by charity. Now man is not bound to keep the precepts of charity, and it is enough if he be ready to fulfil them: as is evidenced by the precept of Our Lord (Matthew 5:39): "If one strike thee on one [Vulgate: 'thy right'] cheek, turn to him also the other"; and by others of the same kind, according to Augustine's exposition (De Serm. Dom. in Monte xix). Therefore neither is man bound to believe anything explicitly, and it is enough if he be ready to believe whatever God proposes to be believed.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.arg.2] 2. Præterea, sicut per fidem ordinamur in Deum, ita etiam per charitatem. Sed ad servandum præcepta charitatis homo non tenetur, sed sufficit sola præparatio animi, sicut patet in illo præcepto Domini quod ponitur Matth., v, 39: Si quis te percusserit in una maxilla, præbe ei et aliam*, et in aliis consimilibus, ut Augustinus exponit in lib. De serm. Dom. in monte, cap. xix, § 58, col. 1259, t. 3. Ergo etiam non tenetur homo explicite aliquid credere; sed sufficit quod habeat animum præparatum ad credendum ea quæ a Deo proponuntur.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.arg.3] Further, the good of faith consists in obedience, according to Romans 1:5: "For obedience to the faith in all nations." Now the virtue of obedience does not require man to keep certain fixed precepts, but it is enough that his mind be ready to obey, according to Psalm 118:60: "I am ready and am not troubled; that I may keep Thy commandments." Therefore it seems enough for faith, too, that man should be ready to believe whatever God may propose, without his believing anything explicitly.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.arg.3] 3. Præterea, bonum fidei in quadam obedientia consistit, secundum illud Rom., i, 5: Ad obediendum fidei in omnibus gentibus. Sed ad virtutem obedientiae non requiritur quod homo aliqua determinata præcepta observet, sed sufficit quod habeat promptum animum ad obediendum, secundum illud psal. cxviii, 60: Paratus sum, et non sum turbatus, ut custodiam mandata tua. Ergo videtur quod etiam ad fidem sufficiat quod homo habeat promptum animum ad credendum ea quæ ei divinitus proponi possunt, absque hoc quod explicite aliquid credat.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.sc] It is written (Hebrews 11:6): "He that cometh to God, must believe that He is, and is a rewarder to them that seek Him."

[II-II.q.2.a.5.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur ad Hebr., xi, 6: Credere oportet accedentem ad Deum quia est, et quod inquirentibus se remunerator est*.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.co] The precepts of the Law, which man is bound to fulfil, concern acts of virtue which are the means of attaining salvation. Now an act of virtue, as stated above (I-II, 60, 5) depends on the relation of the habit to its object. Again two things may be considered in the object of any virtue; namely, that which is the proper and direct object of that virtue, and that which is accidental and consequent to the object properly so called. Thus it belongs properly and directly to the object of fortitude, to face the dangers of death, and to charge at the foe with danger to oneself, for the sake of the common good: yet that, in a just war, a man be armed, or strike another with his sword, and so forth, is reduced to the object of fortitude, but indirectly.

Accordingly, just as a virtuous act is required for the fulfilment of a precept, so is it necessary that the virtuous act should terminate in its proper and direct object: but, on the other hand, the fulfilment of the precept does not require that a virtuous act should terminate in those things which have an accidental or secondary relation to the proper and direct object of that virtue, except in certain places and at certain times. We must, therefore, say that the direct object of faith is that whereby man is made one of the Blessed, as stated above (Question 1, Article 8): while the indirect and secondary object comprises all things delivered by God to us in Holy Writ, for instance that Abraham had two sons, that David was the son of Jesse, and so forth.

Therefore, as regards the primary points or articles of faith, man is bound to believe them, just as he is bound to have faith; but as to other points of faith, man is not bound to believe them explicitly, but only implicitly, or to be ready to believe them, in so far as he is prepared to believe whatever is contained in the Divine Scriptures. Then alone is he bound to believe such things explicitly, when it is clear to him that they are contained in the doctrine of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod præcepta legis quæ homo tenetur implere, dantur de actiis inepte. * A » deest in edit. — In Parm. : « alia, » sa- bus virtutum, qui sunt via perveniendi ad salutem. Actus autem virtutis, sicut supra dictum est, sumitur secundum habitudinem habitus ad objectum. Sed in objecto cujus-libet virtutis duo possunt considerari: scilicet id quod proprie et per se est objectum virtutis, quod necessarium est in omni actu virtutis; et iterum id quod est per accidens, sive consequenter se habet ad propriam rationem objecti; sicut ad objectum fortitudinis proprie et per se pertinet sustinere pericula mortis, et aggredi hostes cum periculo propter bonum; sed quod homo armetur, vel ense percutiat in bello justo, aut aliquid hujusmodi faciat, reducitur quidem ad objectum fortitudinis, sed per accidens. Determinatio ergo virtuosi actus ad proprium et per se objectum virtutis est sub necessitate præcepti, sicut et ipse virtutis actus; sed determinatio actus virtuosi ad ea quæ accidentaliter vel secundario se habent ad proprium et per se virtutis objectum, non cadit sub necessitate præcepti, nisi pro loco et tempore. Dicendum est ergo, quod fidei objectum per se est id per quod homo beatus efficitur, ut supra dictum est. Per accidens autem aut secundario se habent ad objectum fidei omnia quæ in sacra Scriptura divinitus tradita continentur, sicut quod Abraham habuit duos filios, quod David fuit filius Isai, et alia hujusmodi. Quantum ergo ad prima credibilia, quæ sunt articuli fidei, tenetur homo explicite credere, sicut et tenetur habere fidem; quantum autem ad alia credibilia non tenetur homo explicite credere, sed solum implicite, vel in præparatione animi, in quantum paratus est credere quidquid in divina Scriptura continetur. Sed tunc solum hujusmodi tenetur explicite credere, quando hoc ei constiterit in doctrina fidei contineri.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.ad.1] If we understand those things alone to be in a man's power, which we can do without the help of grace, then we are bound to do many things which we cannot do without the aid of healing grace, such as to love God and our neighbor, and likewise to believe the articles of faith. But with the help of grace we can do this, for this help "to whomsoever it is given from above it is mercifully given; and from whom it is withheld it is justly withheld, as a punishment of a previous, or at least of original, sin," as Augustine states (De Corr. et Grat. v, vi [Cf. Ep. cxc; De Praed. Sanct. viii.]).

[II-II.q.2.a.5.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod si in potestate hominis esse dicatur aliquid excluso auxilio gratiae, sic ad multa tenetur homo ad quæ non potest sine gratia repa- In edit. : « habens. » — Edit. addunt : « commune. » — Ita cod. Alcan., Tarrac. aliique, et editi plurimi; al. : « virtutis. » — In Parm. : « divina Scriptura continet. » — Colligi potest ex cap. vi, et ex cap. xi, col. 936. — Sic cod.; in edit. : « subjectæ. » Fides explicita est assensus circa objectum in se, in terminisque suis creditum. Fides implicita est assensus circa objectum, non rante; sicut ad diligendum Deum et proximum, et similiter ad credendum articulos fidei. Sed tamen hoc potest cum auxilio gratiae; quod quidem auxilium « quibus-cumque divinitus datur, misericorditer datur; quibus autem non datur, ex justitia non datur, in pœnam præcedentis, aut saltem originalis peccati, » ut Augustinus dicit in lib. De correptione et gratia, cap. vi, col. 920, t. 10.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.ad.2] Man is bound to love definitely those lovable things which are properly and directly the objects of charity, namely, God and our neighbor. The objection refers to those precepts of charity which belong, as a consequence, to the objects of charity.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod homo tenetur ad determinate diligendum illa diligibilia quæ sunt proprie et per se charitatis objecta, scilicet Deum et proximum. Sed objectio procedit de illis præceptis charitatis quæ quasi consequenter pertinent ad objectum charitatis.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.ad.3] The virtue of obedience is seated, properly speaking, in the will; hence promptness of the will subject to authority, suffices for the act of obedience, because it is the proper and direct object of obedience. But this or that precept is accidental or consequent to that proper and direct object.

[II-II.q.2.a.5.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod virtus obedientiae proprie in voluntate consistit; et ideo ad actum obedientiae sufficit promptitudo voluntatis subjecta præcipienti, quæ est proprie et per se objectum obedientiae. Sed hoc præceptum, vel illud, per accidens vel consequenter se habet ad proprium et per se objectum obedientiae.

Article 6

[II-II.q.2.a.6.arg.1] It would seem that all are equally bound to have explicit faith. For all are bound to those things which are necessary for salvation, as is evidenced by the precepts of charity. Now it is necessary for salvation that certain things should be believed explicitly. Therefore all are equally bound to have explicit faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.arg.1] Ad sextum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod æqualiter omnes teneantur ad habendum fidem explicitam. Ad ea enim quæ sunt de necessitate salutis, omnes tenentur, sicut patet de præceptis charitatis. Sed explicatio credendorum est de necessitate salutis, ut dictum est. Ergo omnes æqualiter teneantur ad explicitite credendum.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.arg.2] Further, no one should be put to test in matters that he is not bound to believe. But simple reasons are sometimes tested in reference to the slightest articles of faith. Therefore all are bound to believe everything explicitly.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.arg.2] 2. Præterea, nullus debet examinari de eo quod explicite credere non tenetur. Sed quandoque simplices examinantur de minimis articulis fidei. Ergo omnes tenentur explicite omnia credere. in se, sed in alio, vel in præparatione animi creditum. Necessitas præcepti est obligatio alicujus habendi ad cavendum prævaricationis peccatum salutis impeditivum. Necessitas medii est obligatio alicujus habendi divinitus ordinati, ita ut sine illo in se vel æquivalenter habito, salus obtineri nequeat.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.arg.3] Further, if the simple are bound to have, not explicit but only implicit faith, their faith must needs be implied in the faith of the learned. But this seems unsafe, since it is possible for the learned to err. Therefore it seems that the simple should also have explicit faith; so that all are, therefore, equally bound to have explicit faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.arg.3] 3. Præterea, si minores non tenentur habere fidem explicitam, sed solum implicitam, oportet quod habeant fidem implicitam in fide majorum. Sed hoc videtur periculosum: quia posset contingere quod illi majores errarent. Ergo videtur quod minores etiam debeant habere fidem explicitam. Sic ergo omnes æqualiter tenentur ad explicite credendum.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.sc] It is written (Job 1:14): "The oxen were ploughing, and the asses feeding beside them," because, as Gregory expounds this passage (Moral. ii, 17), the simple, who are signified by the asses, ought, in matters of faith, to stay by the learned, who are denoted by the oxen.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur Job, i, 14, quod boves arabant, et asinæ pascebantur juxta eos; quia videlicet minores, qui significantur per asinas, debent in credendis adhærere majoribus, qui per boves significantur, ut Gregorius exponit in II Moral., cap. xxx, § 49, col. 578, t. 1.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.co] The unfolding of matters of faith is the result of Divine revelation: for matters of faith surpass natural reason. Now Divine revelation reaches those of lower degree through those who are over them, in a certain order; to men, for instance, through the angels, and to the lower angels through the higher, as Dionysius explains (Coel. Hier. iv, vii). On like manner therefore the unfolding of faith must needs reach men of lower degree through those of higher degree. Consequently, just as the higher angels, who enlighten those who are below them, have a fuller knowledge of Divine things than the lower angels, as Dionysius states (Coel. Hier. xii), so too, men of higher degree, whose business it is to teach others, are under obligation to have fuller knowledge of matters of faith, and to believe them more explicitly.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod explicatio credendorum fit per revelationem divinam. Credibilia enim naturalem rationem excedunt. Revelatio autem divina ordine quodam ad inferiores pervenit per superiores, sicut ad homines per angelos, et ad inferiores angelos per superiores, ut patet per Dionysium in Cælest. hierarch., cap. iv, § 2, col. 179, et cap. vii, § 3, col. 210, t. 1. Et ideo pari ratione explicatio fidei oportet quod perveniat ad inferiores homines per majores. Et ideo sicut superiores angeli, qui inferiores illuminant, habent pleniorem notitiam de rebus divinis quam inferiores, ut dicit Dionysius, Cælest. hierarch., c. xii, § 2, col. 291, ita etiam superiores homines, ad quos pertinet alios erudire, tenentur habere pleniorem notitiam de credendis; et magis explicite credere.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.ad.1] The unfolding of the articles of faith is not equally necessary for the salvation of all, since those of higher degree, whose duty it is to teach others, are bound to believe explicitly more things than others are.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod explicatio credendorum non æqualiter quantum ad omnes' est de necessitate salutis; quia plura tenentur explicite credere majores, qui habent officium alios instruendi, quam alii.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.ad.2] Simple persons should not be put to the test about subtle questions of faith, unless they be suspected of having been corrupted by heretics, who are wont to corrupt the faith of simple people in such questions. If, however, it is found that they are free from obstinacy in their heterodox sentiments, and that it is due to their simplicity, it is no fault of theirs.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod simplices non sunt examinandi de subtilitatibus fidei, nisi quando habetur suspicio quod sint ab hæreticis depravati; qui in his quæ ad subtilitatem fidei pertinent, solent fidem simplicium depravare. Si tamen inventur non pertinaciter perversæ doctrinæ adhærere, si in talibus ex simplicitate deficiant, non eis imputatur.

[II-II.q.2.a.6.ad.3] The simple have no faith implied in that of the learned, except in so far as the latter adhere to the Divine teaching. Hence the Apostle says (1 Corinthians 4:16): "Be ye followers of me, as I also am of Christ." Hence it is not human knowledge, but the Divine truth that is the rule of faith: and if any of the learned stray from this rule, he does not harm the faith of the simple ones, who think that the learned believe aright; unless the simple hold obstinately to their individual errors, against the faith of the universal Church, which cannot err, since Our Lord said (Luke 22:32): "I have prayed for thee," Peter, "that thy faith fail not."

[II-II.q.2.a.6.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod minores non habent fidem implicitam in fide majorum, nisi quatenus majores adhærent doctrinæ divinæ. Unde et Apostolus dicit, I ad Cor., iv, 16: Imitatores mei estote, sicut et ego Christi. Unde humana cognitio non fit regula fidei, sed veritas divina; a qua si aliqui majorum deficiant, non præjudicant fidei simplicium, qui eos rectam fidem habere credunt, nisi pertinaciter eorum erroribus in particulari adhæreant contra universalis Ecclesiæ fidem, quæ non potest deficere, Domino dicente Luc., xxii, 32: Ego rogavi pro te, Petre, ut non deficiat fides tua.

Article 7

[II-II.q.2.a.7.arg.1] It would seem that it is not necessary for the salvation of all that they should believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ. For man is not bound to believe explicitly what the angels are ignorant about: since the unfolding of faith is the result of Divine revelation, which reaches man by means of the angels, as stated above (6; I, 111, 1). Now even the angels were in ignorance of the mystery of the Incarnation: hence, according to the commentary of Dionysius (Coel. Hier. vii), it is they who ask (Psalm 23:8): "Who is this king of glory?" and (Isaiah 63:1): "Who is this that cometh from Edom?" Therefore men were not bound to believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ's Incarnation.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.arg.1] Ad septimum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod credere explicite mysterium Christi non sit de necessitate salutis apud omnes: non enim tenetur homo explicite credere ea quæ angeli ignorant, quia explicatio fidei fit per revelationem divinam, quæ pervenit ad homines mediantibus angelis, ut dictum est. Sed etiam angeli mysterium incarnationis ignoraverunt; unde quærebant in psal. xxiii, 8: Quis est iste Rex gloriæ? et Isa., lxiii, 1: Quis est iste qui venit de Edom? ut Dionysius exponit cap. vii Cælest. hierarch., § 3, col. 210, t. 1. Ergo ad credendum explicite mysterium incarnationis Christi homines non tenebantur.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.arg.2] Further, it is evident that John the Baptist was one of the teachers, and most nigh to Christ, Who said of him (Matthew 11:11) that "there hath not risen among them that are born of women, a greater than" he. Now John the Baptist does not appear to have known the mystery of Christ explicitly, since he asked Christ (Matthew 11:3): "Art Thou He that art to come, or look we for another?" Therefore even the teachers were not bound to explicit faith in Christ.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.arg.2] 2. Præterea, constat beatum Joannem Baptistam de majoribus fuisse, et propin-quissimum Christo; de quo Dominus dicit Matth., xi, 14: Non surrexit inter natos mulierum major Joanne Baptista. Sed Joannes Baptista non videtur Christi mysterium explicite cognovisse, cum a Christo quæsierit: Tu es qui venturus es, an alium expectamus? ut habetur Matth., xi, 3. Ergo non tenebantur etiam majores ad habendam explicite fidem de Christo.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.arg.3] Further, many gentiles obtained salvation through the ministry of the angels, as Dionysius states (Coel. Hier. ix). Now it would seem that the gentiles had neither explicit nor implicit faith in Christ, since they received no revelation. Therefore it seems that it was not necessary for the salvation of all to believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.arg.3] 3. Præterea, multi gentilium adepti sunt salutem per ministerium angelorum, ut Dionysius dicit ix cap. Cælest. hierarch., § 3, col. 262, t. 1. Sed gentiles non habuerunt fidem de Christo nec explicitam, nec 1 Ita mss. et editi omnes libri; theologi legendum implicitam, ut videtur, quia nulla eis revelatio facta est. Ergo videtur quod credere explicite Christi mysterium, non fuerit omnibus necessarium ad salutem.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.sc] Augustine says (De Corr. et Gratia vii; Ep. cxc): "Our faith is sound if we believe that no man, old or young is delivered from the contagion of death and the bonds of sin, except by the one Mediator of God and men, Jesus Christ."

[II-II.q.2.a.7.sc] Sed contra est quod Augustinus dicit in lib. De correctione et gratia, cap. vii, § 41, col. 923, t. 10: « Illa fides sana est qua credimus nullum hominem, sive majoris, sive parvæ aetatis, liberari a contagio mortis, et obligatione peccati, nisi per unum mediatorem Dei et hominum Jesum Christum. »

[II-II.q.2.a.7.co] As stated above (5; 1, 8), the object of faith includes, properly and directly, that thing through which man obtains beatitude. Now the mystery of Christ's Incarnation and Passion is the way by which men obtain beatitude; for it is written (Acts 4:12): "There is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved." Therefore belief of some kind in the mystery of Christ's Incarnation was necessary at all times and for all persons, but this belief differed according to differences of times and persons. The reason of this is that before the state of sin, man believed, explicitly in Christ's Incarnation, in so far as it was intended for the consummation of glory, but not as it was intended to deliver man from sin by the Passion and Resurrection, since man had no foreknowledge of his future sin. He does, however, seem to have had foreknowledge of the Incarnation of Christ, from the fact that he said (Genesis 2:24): "Wherefore a man shall leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife," of which the Apostle says (Ephesians 5:32) that "this is a great sacrament . . . in Christ and the Church," and it is incredible that the first man was ignorant about this sacrament.

But after sin, man believed explicitly in Christ, not only as to the Incarnation, but also as to the Passion and Resurrection, whereby the human race is delivered from sin and death: for they would not, else, have foreshadowed Christ's Passion by certain sacrifices both before and after the Law, the meaning of which sacrifices was known by the learned explicitly, while the simple folk, under the veil of those sacrifices, believed them to be ordained by God in reference to Christ's coming, and thus their knowledge was covered with a veil, so to speak. And, as stated above (Question 1, Article 7), the nearer they were to Christ, the more distinct was their knowledge of Christ's mysteries.

After grace had been revealed, both learned and simple folk are bound to explicit faith in the mysteries of Christ, chiefly as regards those which are observed throughout the Church, and publicly proclaimed, such as the articles which refer to the Incarnation, of which we have spoken above (Question 1, Article 8). As to other minute points in reference to the articles of the Incarnation, men have been bound to believe them more or less explicitly according to each one's state and office.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut supra dictum est, illud proprie et per se pertinet ad objectum fidei, per quod homo beatitudinem consequitur. Via autem hominibus veniendi ad beatitudinem est mysterium incarnationis et passionis Christi; dicitur enim Act., iv, 42: Nec aliud nomen est sub cælo datum hominibus in quo oporteat nos salvos fieri. Et ideo mysterium incarnationis Christi aliqualiter oportuit omni tempore esse creditum apud omnes, diversimode tamen, secundum diversitatem temporum et personarum. Nam ante statum peccati homo habuit explicitam fidem de Christi incarnatione, secundum quod ordinabatur ad consummationem gloriæ, non autem secundum quod ordinabatur ad liberationem a peccato per passionem et resurrectionem, quia homo non fuit præscius peccati futuri. Videtur autem incarnationis Christi præscius fuisse per hoc quod dixit: Quamobrem relinquet homo patrem et matrem et adhærebit uxori suæ, ut habetur Genes., ii, 24. Et hoc Apostolus, ad Ephes., v, 32, dicit, sacramentum magnum esse in Christo et Ecclesia; quod quidem sacramentum non est credibile primum hominem ignorasse. Post peccatum autem fuit explicitite creditum mysterium Christi, non solum quantum ad incarnationem, sed etiam quantum ad passionem et resurrectionem, quibus humanum genus a peccato, et morte liberatur: aliter enim non præfigurassent Christi passionem quibusdam sacrificiis et ante legem et sub lege: quorum quidem sacrificiorum significatum explicite majores cognoscebant; minores autem sub velamine illorum sacrificiorum credentes ea divinitus esse disposita de Christo venturo, quodam modo habebant velatam cognitionem. Et, sicut supra dictum est, ea quæ ad mysteria Christi pertinent tanto distinctius cognoverunt, quanto Christo propinquiores fuerunt. Post tempus autem gratiae revelatæ tam majores quam minores tenentur habere fidem explicitam de mysteriis Christi, præcipue quantum ad ea quæ communiter in Ecclesia solemnizantur, et publice proponuntur, sicut sunt articuli incarnationis, de quibus supra dictum est. Alias autem subtiles considerationes circa incarnationis articulos tenentur aliqui magis vel minus explicite credere, secundum quod convenit statui et officio uniuscujusque.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.ad.1] The mystery of the Kingdom of God was not entirely hidden from the angels, as Augustine observes (Gen. ad lit. v, 19), yet certain aspects thereof were better known to them when Christ revealed them to them.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod angelos non omnino latuit mysterium regni Dei, sicut Augustinus dicit, V Super Genes. ad litt., cap. xix, § 38, col. 334, t. 3; quasdam tamen rationes hujus mysterii perfectius cognoverunt, Christo revelante.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.ad.2] It was not through ignorance that John the Baptist inquired of Christ's advent in the flesh, since he had clearly professed his belief therein, saying: "I saw, and I gave testimony, that this is the Son of God" (John 1:34). Hence he did not say: "Art Thou He that hast come?" but "Art Thou He that art to come?" thus saying about the future, not about the past. Likewise it is not to be believed that he was ignorant of Christ's future Passion, for he had already said (John 1:39): "Behold the Lamb of God, behold Him who taketh away the sins [Vulgate: 'sin'] of the world," thus foretelling His future immolation; and since other prophets had foretold it, as may be seen especially in Isaias 53. We may therefore say with Gregory (Hom. xxvi in Evang.) that he asked this question, being in ignorance as to whether Christ would descend into hell in His own Person. But he did not ignore the fact that the power of Christ's Passion would be extended to those who were detained in Limbo, according to Zechariah 9:11: "Thou also, by the blood of Thy testament hast sent forth Thy prisoners out of the pit, wherein there is no water"; nor was he bound to believe explicitly, before its fulfilment, that Christ was to descend thither Himself.

It may also be replied that, as Ambrose observes in his commentary on Luke 7:19, he made this inquiry, not from doubt or ignorance but from devotion: or again, with Chrysostom (Hom. xxxvi in Matth.), that he inquired, not as though ignorant himself, but because he wished his disciples to be satisfied on that point, through Christ: hence the latter framed His answer so as to instruct the disciples, by pointing to the signs of His works.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod Joannes Baptista de adventu Christi in carne non quæsivit quasi hoc ignoraret, cum ipse hoc expresse confessus fuerit, dicens: Ego vidi, et testimonium perhibui, quia hic est Filius Dei, ut habetur Joan., i, 34. Unde non dixit: Tu es qui venisti? sed: Tu es qui venturus es? quærens de futuro, non de præterito. Similiter non est credendum quod ignoraverit eum ad passionem venturum; ipse enim dixerat, Joan., i, 29: Ecce Agnus Dei, ecce qui tollit peccatum mundi, prænuntians ejus immolationem futuram. Et tamen hoc prophetæ aliqui non ignoraveunt, sed ante prædixerunt, sicut præcipue patet in Isa., LIII. Potest ergo dici, sicut Gregorius dicit, Hom. vi in Evang., § 4, col. 1095, t. 2, quod inquisivit ignorans an ad infernum esset in propria persona descensurus. Sciebat autem quod virtus passionis ejus extendenda erat usque ad eos qui in limbo detinebantur, secundum illud Zach., ix, 11: Tu quoque in sanguine testamenti tui emisisti vinctos tuos de lacu, in quo non est aqua; nec hoc tenebatur explicite credere, antequam esset impletum, quod per seipsum deberet descendere. Al.: « fuit. » Legitur in dicto loco: « Nemo liberatur a damnatione quae facta est per Adam, nisi per fidem Jesu Christi. » Sed expressius in Epist. cxc, cap. ii, § 5, col. 858, t. 2. Parm.: Propter hoc. — Al.: « fidem, » sed minus recte. — Al.: « tanto difficilius…… quanto propinquiores non fuerunt. » — In Parm.: « allii etiam. » Vel potest dici, sicut Ambrosius dicit Super Lucam, in illud cap. VII, Et annuntiaverunt Joanni, lib. V, § 98, col. 1748, t. 2, quod non inquisivit ex dubitatione, seu ignorantia, sed magis ex pietate. Vel potest dici, sicut Chrysostomus dicit, Hom. xxxvii in Matth., quod non inquisivit, quia ipse ignoraret, sed ut per Christum satisfieret ejus discipulis; unde et Christus ad discipulorum instructionem respondit, signa operum ostendens.

[II-II.q.2.a.7.ad.3] Many of the gentiles received revelations of Christ, as is clear from their predictions. Thus we read (Job 19:25): "I know that my Redeemer liveth." The Sibyl too foretold certain things about Christ, as Augustine states (Contra Faust. xiii, 15). Moreover, we read in the history of the Romans, that at the time of Constantine Augustus and his mother Irene a tomb was discovered, wherein lay a man on whose breast was a golden plate with the inscription: "Christ shall be born of a virgin, and in Him, I believe. O sun, during the lifetime of Irene and Constantine, thou shalt see me again" [Cf. Baron, Annal., A.D. 780. If, however, some were saved without receiving any revelation, they were not saved without faith in a Mediator, for, though they did not believe in Him explicitly, they did, nevertheless, have implicit faith through believing in Divine providence, since they believed that God would deliver mankind in whatever way was pleasing to Him, and according to the revelation of the Spirit to those who knew the truth, as stated in Job 35:11: "Who teacheth us more than the beasts of the earth."

[II-II.q.2.a.7.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod multis gentilium facta fuit revelatio de Christo, ut patet per ea quae prædixerunt. Nam Job, xix, 25, dicitur: Scio quod Redemptor meus vivit. Sibylla etiam prænuntiavit quædam de Christo, ut Augustinus dicit, lib. XIII Contra Faustum, cap. xv, col. 290, t. 8. Invenitur etiam in historiis Romanorum, quod tempore Constantini Augusti et Irenæ matris ejus inventum fuit quoddam sepulcrum, in quo jacebat homo auream laminam habens in pectore, in qua scriptum erat: « Christus nascetur ex Virgine, et ego credo in eum. O Sol, sub Irenæ et Constantini temporibus iterum me videbis. » Si qui tamen salvati fuerunt quibus revelatio non fuit facta, non fuerunt salvati absque fide Mediatoris; quia, etsi non habuerunt fidem explicitam, habuerunt tamen fidem implicitam in divina providentia, credentes Deum esse liberatorem hominum secundum modos sibi placitos, et secundum quod aliquibus veritatem cognoscentibus ipse revelasset, secundum illud Job, xxxv, 44: Qui docet nos super jumenta terræ.

Article 8

[II-II.q.2.a.8.arg.1] It would seem that it was not necessary for salvation to believe explicitly in the Trinity. For the Apostle says (Hebrews 11:6): "He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and is a rewarder to them that seek Him." Now one can believe this without believing in the Trinity. Therefore it was not necessary to believe explicitly in the Trinity.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.arg.1] Ad octavum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod credere Trinitatem explicite non fuerit de necessitate salutis. Dicit enim Apostolus, ad Hebr., xi, 6: Credere oportet accedentem ad Deum quia est, et sit inquirentibus se remunerator⁺. Sed hoc potest credi absque fide Trinitatis. Ergo non oportebat explicite fidem de Trinitate habere.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.arg.2] Further our Lord said (John 17:5-6): "Father, I have manifested Thy name to men," which words Augustine expounds (Tract. cvi) as follows: "Not the name by which Thou art called God, but the name whereby Thou art called My Father," and further on he adds: "In that He made this world, God is known to all nations; in that He is not to be worshipped together with false gods, 'God is known in Judea'; but, in that He is the Father of this Christ, through Whom He takes away the sin of the world, He now makes known to men this name of His, which hitherto they knew not." Therefore before the coming of Christ it was not known that Paternity and Filiation were in the Godhead: and so the Trinity was not believed explicitly.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.arg.2] 2. Præterea, Dominus dicit, Joan., xvii, 6: Pater, manifestavi nomen tuum homini- Sub lege, persona mediatoris mittenda prædica-batur; sed utrum illa persona foret homo, vel angelus, vel Deus, adhuc absconditum erat, exceptis iis quos specialiter de hoc Spiritus sanctus illuminabat. Sub gratia vero, sive qualitas personæ media-toris, sive redemptionis modus manifeste prædicatur et creditur. Hæc ex Hug. a S. Vict. et Alex. Halens. Inquiritur utrum fide explicita post promulgationem Evangelii credendum sit ex necessitate medii vel solum ex necessitate præcepti mysterium Incarnationis? Duas S. Ligorius sententias notat. I.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.arg.3] Further, that which we are bound to believe explicitly of God is the object of heavenly happiness. Now the object of heavenly happiness is the sovereign good, which can be understood to be in God, without any distinction of Persons. Therefore it was not necessary to believe explicitly in the Trinity.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.arg.3] 3. Præterea, illud tenemur explicite credere in Deo quod est beatitudinis objectum. Sed objectum beatitudinis est bonitas summa quae potest intelligi in Deo etiam sine personarum distinctione. Ergo non fuit necessarium explicite credere Trinitatem.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.sc] In the Old Testament the Trinity of Persons is expressed in many ways; thus at the very outset of Genesis it is written in manifestation of the Trinity: "Let us make man to Our image and likeness" (Genesis 1:26). Therefore from the very beginning it was necessary for salvation to believe in the Trinity.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.sc] Sed contra est quod in Veteri Testamento multipliciter expressa est Trinitas personarum, sicut statim in principio Genes., 1, 26, dicitur ad expressionem Trinitatis: Faciamus hominem ad imaginem et similitudinem nostram. Ergo a principio de necessitate salutis fuit credere Trinitatem explicite.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.co] It is impossible to believe explicitly in the mystery of Christ, without faith in the Trinity, since the mystery of Christ includes that the Son of God took flesh; that He renewed the world through the grace of the Holy Ghost; and again, that He was conceived by the Holy Ghost. Wherefore just as, before Christ, the mystery of Christ was believed explicitly by the learned, but implicitly and under a veil, so to speak, by the simple, so too was it with the mystery of the Trinity. And consequently, when once grace had been revealed, all were bound to explicit faith in the mystery of the Trinity: and all who are born again in Christ, have this bestowed on them by the invocation of the Trinity, according to Matthew 28:19: "Going therefore teach ye all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost."

[II-II.q.2.a.8.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod mysterium Christi explicite credi non potest sine fide Trinitatis; quia in mysterio Christi hoc continetur quod Filius Dei carnem assumpserit, quod per gratiam Spiritus sancti mundum renovaverit, et iterum quod de Spiritus sancto conceptus fuerit. Et ideo eodem modo quo mysterium Christi ante Christum fuit explicite creditum a majoribus, implicite autem et quasi obumbrate a minoribus, ita etiam et mysterium Trinitatis. Et ideo etiam post tempus gratiae divulgatæ tenentur omnes ad explicite credendum mysterium Trinitatis; et omnes qui renascuntur in Christo, hoc adipiscuntur per invocationem Trinitatis, secundum illud Matth., ult., 49: Euntes docete omnes genes, baptizantes eos in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus sancti.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.ad.1] Explicit faith in those two things was necessary at all times and for all people: but it was not sufficient at all times and for all people.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod illa duo explicite credere de Deo omni tempore et quoad omnes necessarium fuit; non tamen est sufficiens omni tempore et quoad omnes. 1 Parm.: « incarnationis Christi. » — 2 Parm.: « incarnationis Christi. » — 3 Parm.: « incarnationis Christi. » — 4 Sic cod.; in Parm.: « seipsa. » — 5 Ita cum codd. Alc. et Tarrac., Nicolaï et edit. Patav.;

[II-II.q.2.a.8.ad.2] Before Christ's coming, faith in the Trinity lay hidden in the faith of the learned, but through Christ and the apostles it was shown to the world.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod ante Christi adventum fides Trinitatis erat occulta in fide majorum; sed per Christum manifestata est mundo, et per apostolos.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.ad.3] God's sovereign goodness as we understand it now through its effects, can be understood without the Trinity of Persons: but as understood in itself, and as seen by the Blessed, it cannot be understood without the Trinity of Persons. Moreover the mission of the Divine Persons brings us to heavenly happiness.

[II-II.q.2.a.8.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod summa bonitas Dei secundum modum quo nunc intelligitur per effectus, potest intelligi absque Trinitate personarum; sed secundum quod intelligitur in seipso, prout videtur a beatis, non potest intelligi sine Trinitate personarum. Et iterum ipsa missio personarum divinarum perducit nos in beatitudinem.

Article 9

[II-II.q.2.a.9.arg.1] It would seem that to believe in not meritorious. For the principle of all merit is charity, as stated above (I-II, 114, 4). Now faith, like nature, is a preamble to charity. Therefore, just as an act of nature is not meritorious, since we do not merit by our natural gifts, so neither is an act of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.arg.1] Ad nonum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod credere non sit meritorium. Principium enim merendi est charitas, ut supra dictum est. Sed fides est præambula ad charitatem, sicut et natura. Ergo sicut actus naturæ non est meritorius, quia naturalibus non mereur, ita nec actus fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.arg.2] Further, belief is a mean between opinion and scientific knowledge or the consideration of things scientifically known [Science is a certain knowledge of a demonstrated conclusion through its demonstration.]. Now the considerations of science are not meritorious, nor on the other hand is opinion. Therefore belief is not meritorious.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.arg.2] 2. Præterea, credere medium est inter opinari et scire, vel considerare scita. Sed consideratio scientiae non est meritoria; similiter autem nec opinio. Ergo etiam neque credere est meritorium.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.arg.3] Further, he who assents to a point of faith, either has a sufficient motive for believing, or he has not. If he has a sufficient motive for his belief, this does not seem to imply any merit on his part, since he is no longer free to believe or not to believe: whereas if he has not a sufficient motive for believing, this is a mark of levity, according to Sirach 19:4: "He that is hasty to give credit, is light of heart," so that, seemingly, he gains no merit thereby. Therefore to believe is by no means meritorious.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.arg.3] 3. Præterea, ille qui assentit alicui rei, credendo, aut habet causam sufficienter inducentem ipsum ad credendum, aut non: si habet sufficiens inductivum ad credendum, non videtur hoc ei esse meritorium, quia non est ei jam liberum credere, et non credere; si autem non habet sufficiens inductivum ad credendum, levitatis est credere, secundum illud Eccli., xix, 4: Qui credit cito, levis corde est; et sic non videtur esse meritorium. Ergo credere nullo modo est meritorium.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.sc] It is written (Hebrews 11:33) that the saints "by faith . . . obtained promises," which would not be the case if they did not merit by believing. Therefore to believe is meritorious.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.sc] Sed contra est quod dicitur ad Hebr., xi, 33, quod sancti per fidem adepti sunt repromissiones: quod non esset, nisi credendo mererentur. Ergo ipsum credere est meritorium.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.co] As stated above (I-II, 114, 3,4), our actions are meritorious in so far as they proceed from the free-will moved with grace by God. Therefore every human act proceeding from the free-will, if it be referred to God, can be meritorious. Now the act of believing is an act of the intellect assenting to the Divine truth at the command of the will moved by the grace of God, so that it is subject to the free-will in relation to God; and consequently the act of faith can be meritorious.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut supra al.: « visio. Eadem sententia pro mysterio Trinitatis ac pro mysterio Incarnationis. dictum est, actus nostri sunt meritorii, in-quantum procedunt ex libero arbitrio moto a Deo per gratiam. Unde omnis actus humanus, qui subjicitur libero arbitrio, si sit relatus in Deum, potest meritorius esse. Ipsum autem credere, est actus intellectus assentientis veritati divinæ ex imperio voluntatis a Deo motæ per gratiam; et sic subjacet libero arbitrio in ordine ad Deum; unde actus fidei potest esse meritorius.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.ad.1] Nature is compared to charity which is the principle of merit, as matter to form: whereas faith is compared to charity as the disposition which precedes the ultimate form. Now it is evident that the subject or the matter cannot act save by virtue of the form, nor can a preceding disposition, before the advent of the form: but after the advent of the form, both the subject and the preceding disposition act by virtue of the form, which is the chief principle of action, even as the heat of fire acts by virtue of the substantial form of fire. Accordingly neither nature nor faith can, without charity, produce a meritorious act; but, when accompanied by charity, the act of faith is made meritorious thereby, even as an act of nature, and a natural act of the free-will.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod natura comparatur ad charitatem, quæ est merendi principium, sicut materia ad formam; fides autem comparatur ad charitatem sicut dispositio præcedens ultimam formam. Manifestum est autem, quod subjectum materia non potest agere in virtute formæ, neque etiam dispositio præcedens, antequam forma adveniat; sed postquam forma advenerit, tam subjectum quam dispositio præcedens agit in virtute formæ, quæ est principale agendi principium, sicut calor ignis agit in virtute formæ substantialis. Sic ergo neque natura neque fides sine charitate possunt producere actum meritorium; sed, charitate superveniente, actus fidei fit meritorius per charitatem, sicut et actus naturæ et naturalis liberi arbitrii.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.ad.2] Two things may be considered in science: namely the scientist's assent to a scientific fact and his consideration of that fact. Now the assent of science is not subject to free-will, because the scientist is obliged to assent by force of the demonstration, wherefore scientific assent is not meritorious. But the actual consideration of what a man knows scientifically is subject to his free-will, for it is in his power to consider or not to consider. Hence scientific consideration may be meritorious if it be referred to the end of charity, i.e. to the honor of God or the good of our neighbor. On the other hand, in the case of faith, both these things are subject to the free-will so that in both respects the act of faith can be meritorious: whereas in the case of opinion, there is no firm assent, since it is weak and infirm, as the Philosopher observes (Poster. i, 33), so that it does not seem to proceed from a perfect act of the will: and for this reason, as regards the assent, it does not appear to be very meritorious, though it can be as regards the actual consideration.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod in scientia duo possunt considerari, scilicet ipse assensus scientis ad rem scitam, et consideratio rei scitæ. Assensus autem scientia non subjicitur libero arbitrio, quia sciens cogitur ad assentiendum per efficaciam demonstratiois, et ideo assensus scientia non est meritorius. Sed consideratio actualis rei scitæ subjacet libero arbitrio; est enim in potestate hominis considerare vel non considerare. Et ideo consideratio scientia potest esse meritoria, si referatur ad finem charitatis, id est, ad honorem Dei, vel utilitatem proximi. Sed in fide utrumque subjacet libero arbitrio; et ideo quantum ad utrumque actus fidei potest esse meritorius. Sed opinio non habet firmum assensum; est enim quiddam debile et infirmum, secundum Philosophum in I Posterior., text. 44, unde non videtur procedere ex perfecta voluntate; et sic ex parte assensus non multum videtur habere rationem meriti, sed ex parte considerationis actualis potest meritoria esse.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.ad.3] The believer has sufficient motive for believing, for he is moved by the authority of Divine teaching confirmed by miracles, and, what is more, by the inward instinct of the Divine invitation: hence he does not believe lightly. He has not, however, sufficient reason for scientific knowledge, hence he does not lose the merit.

[II-II.q.2.a.9.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod ille qui credit habet sufficiens inductivum ad credendum; inducitur enim auctoritate divinæ doctrinæ miraculis confirmatæ, et, quod plus est, interiori instinctu Dei invitantis; unde non leviter credit. Tamen non habet sufficiens inductivum ad sciendum; et ideo non tollitur ratio meriti.

Article 10

[II-II.q.2.a.10.arg.1] It would seem that reasons in support of what we believe lessen the merit of faith. For Gregory says (Hom. xxvi in Evang.) that "there is no merit in believing what is shown by reason." If, therefore, human reason provides sufficient proof, the merit of faith is altogether taken away. Therefore it seems that any kind of human reasoning in support of matters of faith, diminishes the merit of believing.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.arg.1] Ad decimum sic proceditur. 1. Videtur quod ratio inductiva ad ea quæ sunt fidei, diminuat meritum fidei. Dicit enim Gregorius in quadam homilia, xxvi in Evang., §1, col. 1497, t. 2, quod « fides non habet meritum, cui humana ratio præbet experimentum. » Si ergo ratio humana sufficienter experimentum præbens, totaliter excludit meritum fidei, videtur 7 quod qualiscumque ratio humana inducta ad ea quæ sunt fidei, diminuat meritum fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.arg.2] Further, whatever lessens the measure of virtue, lessens the amount of merit, since "happiness is the reward of virtue," as the Philosopher states (Ethic. i, 9). Now human reasoning seems to diminish the measure of the virtue of faith, since it is essential to faith to be about the unseen, as stated above (1, 4,5). Now the more a thing is supported by reasons the less is it unseen. Therefore human reasons in support of matters of faith diminish the merit of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.arg.2] 2. Præterea, quidquid diminuit rationem virtutis, diminuit rationem meriti, quia « felicitas virtutis est præmium, » ut Philosophus dicit in I Ethic., cap. 1x, circa princ. Sed ratio humana videtur diminuere rationem virtutis ipsius fidei, quia de ratione fidei est quod sit non apparentium, ut supra dictum est. Quanto autem plures rationes inducuntur ad aliquid, tanto minus hoc est non apparens. Ergo ratio humana inducta ad ea quæ sunt fidei, meritum fidei diminuit.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.arg.3] Further, contrary things have contrary causes. Now an inducement in opposition to faith increases the merit of faith whether it consist in persecution inflicted by one who endeavors to force a man to renounce his faith, or in an argument persuading him to do so. Therefore reasons in support of faith diminish the merit of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.arg.3] 3. Præterea, contrariorum contrariæ sunt causæ. Sed id quod inducitur in contrarium fidei, auget meritum fidei, sive sit per- 4 In Parm. : « quia. » 5 Sic cod.; Parm. : « Vel materia...; agere nisi virtute formæ. » Sensus est: manifestum est quod homo qui subjectum est naturæ et gratiae, naturæ, quæ est materia, et gratiae, quæ est forma, non potest agere per naturam solam cum eadem virtute ac per gratiam ageret. 6 Ita codd. Alcan. et Paris, Nicolaï et edit. Pavat., 1712, optime. Edit. Rom., aliæ vetustæ, theologi ex cod. Camer. aliisque, et edit. Patav., 1698: « Unde non leviter credit, cum habeat sufficiens inductivum ad credendum; et ideo non tollitur ratio meriti. » Edit. Colon., erronee prorsus: « Tamen non habet sufficiens inductivum ad credendum, » etc. 7 Sic cod.; in edit. : « præbet..., fidei. Videtur ergo... » secutio cogentis ad recedendum a fide, sive etiam sit ratio aliqua hoc persuadens. Ergo ratio coadjuvans fidem diminuit meritum fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.sc] It is written (1 Peter 3:15): "Being ready always to satisfy every one that asketh you a reason of that faith [Vulgate: 'Of that hope which is in you.' St. Thomas' reading is apparently taken from Bede.] and hope which is in you." Now the Apostle would not give this advice, if it would imply a diminution in the merit of faith. Therefore reason does not diminish the merit of faith.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.sc] Sed contra est quod I Petr., III, 45, dicitur: Parati semper ad sanctificationem omni poscenti vos rationem de ea quæ in vobis est spe. Non autem ad hoc induceret Apostolus, si per hoc meritum fidei diminueretur. Non ergo ratio diminuit meritum fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.co] As stated above (Article 9), the act of faith can be meritorious, in so far as it is subject to the will, not only as to the use, but also as to the assent. Now human reason in support of what we believe, may stand in a twofold relation to the will of the believer. First, as preceding the act of the will; as, for instance, when a man either has not the will, or not a prompt will, to believe, unless he be moved by human reasons: and in this way human reason diminishes the merit of faith. On this sense it has been said above (I-II, 24, 3, ad 1; 77, 6, ad 2) that, in moral virtues, a passion which precedes choice makes the virtuous act less praiseworthy. For just as a man ought to perform acts of moral virtue, on account of the judgment of his reason, and not on account of a passion, so ought he to believe matters of faith, not on account of human reason, but on account of the Divine authority. Secondly, human reasons may be consequent to the will of the believer. For when a man's will is ready to believe, he loves the truth he believes, he thinks out and takes to heart whatever reasons he can find in support thereof; and in this way human reason does not exclude the merit of faith but is a sign of greater merit. Thus again, in moral virtues a consequent passion is the sign of a more prompt will, as stated above (I-II, 24, 3, ad 1). We have an indication of this in the words of the Samaritans to the woman, who is a type of human reason: "We now believe, not for thy saying" (John 4:42).

[II-II.q.2.a.10.co] Respondeo dicendum, quod, sicut supra dictum est, actus fidei potest esse meritorius, inquantum subjacet voluntati non solum quantum ad usum, sed etiam quantum ad assensum. Ratio autem humana inducta ad ea quæ sunt fidei, dupliciter se potest habere ad voluntatem credentis. Uno quidem modo sicut pracedens; puta cum aliquis aut non haberet voluntatem, aut non haberet promptam voluntatem ad credendum, nisi ratio humana inducetur; et sic ratio humana inducta diminuit meritum fidei. Sic etiam supra dictum est, quod passio pracedens electionem in virtutibus moralibus diminuit laudem virtuosi actus. Sicut enim homo actus virtutum moralium debet exercere propter judicium rationis, non propter passionem; ita credere debet homo ea quæ sunt fidei, non propter rationem humanam, sed propter auctoritatem divinam. Alio modo ratio humana potest se habere ad voluntatem credentis consequenter. Cum enim homo habet promptam voluntatem ad credendum, diligit veritatem creditam, et super ea excogitat, et amplectitur, si quas rationes ad hoc invenire potest; et quantum ad hoc ratio humana non excludit meritum fidei, sed est signum majoris meriti. Sic etiam passio consequens in virtutibus moralibus est signum promptioris voluntatis, ut supra dictum est. Et hoc significatur Joan., IV, 42, ubi Samaritani ad mulierem, per quam ratio humana figuratur, dixerunt: Jam non propter tuam loquelam credimus.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.ad.1] Gregory is referring to the case of a man who has no will to believe what is of faith, unless he be induced by reasons. But when a man has the will to believe what is of faith on the authority of God alone, although he may have reasons in demonstration of some of them, e.g. of the existence of God, the merit of his faith is not, for that reason, lost or diminished.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.ad.1] Ad primum ergo dicendum, quod Gregorius loquitur in casu illo, quando homo non habet voluntatem credendi nisi propter rationem inductam. Quando autem homo habet voluntatem credendi ea quæ sunt fidei, ex sola auctoritate divina, etiamsi habeat rationem demonstrativam ad aliquid eorum, puta ad hoc quod est Deum esse; non propter hoc tollitur vel diminuitur meritum fidei.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.ad.2] The reasons which are brought forward in support of the authority of faith, are not demonstrations which can bring intellectual vision to the human intellect, wherefore they do not cease to be unseen.

But they remove obstacles to faith, by showing that what faith proposes is not impossible; wherefore such reasons do not diminish the merit or the measure of faith. On the other hand, though demonstrative reasons in support of the preambles of faith [The Leonine Edition reads: 'in support of matters of faith which are however, preambles to the articles of faith, diminish,' etc.], but not of the articles of faith, diminish the measure of faith, since they make the thing believed to be seen, yet they do not diminish the measure of charity, which makes the will ready to believe them, even if they were unseen; and so the measure of merit is not diminished.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.ad.2] Ad secundum dicendum, quod rationes quæ indicuntur ad auctoritatem fidei, non sunt demonstrationes, quæ in visionem intelligibilem intellectum humanum reducere possint, et ideo non desinunt esse « non apparentia; » sed removent impedimenta fidei, ostendendo non esse impossibile quod in fide proponitur; unde per tales rationes non diminuitur meritum fidei, nec ratio fidei. Sed rationes demonstrativæ inductæ ad ea quæ sunt fidei, præambula tamen ad articulos, etsi diminuant rationem fidei, quia faciunt esse apparens id quod proponitur; non tamen diminuunt rationem charitatis, per quam voluntas est prompta ad id credendum, etiamsi non appareret; et ideo non diminuitur ratio meriti.

[II-II.q.2.a.10.ad.3] Whatever is in opposition to faith, whether it consist in a man's thoughts, or in outward persecution, increases the merit of faith, in so far as the will is shown to be more prompt and firm in believing. Hence the martyrs had more merit of faith, through not renouncing faith on account of persecution; and even the wise have greater merit of faith, through not renouncing their faith on account of the reasons brought forward by philosophers or heretics in opposition to faith. On the other hand things that are favorable to faith, do not always diminish the promptness of the will to believe, and therefore they do not always diminish the merit of faith.

The Summa Theologica of St. Thomas AquinasSecond and Revised Edition, 1920Literally translated by Fathers of the English Dominican ProvinceOnline Edition Copyright © 2009 by Kevin Knight Nihil Obstat. F. Innocentius Apap, O.P., S.T.M., Censor. Theol.Imprimatur. Edus. Canonicus Surmont, Vicarius Generalis. Westmonasterii.APPROBATIO ORDINISNihil Obstat. F. Raphael Moss, O.P., S.T.L. and F. Leo Moore, O.P., S.T.L.Imprimatur. F. Beda Jarrett, O.P., S.T.L., A.M., Prior Provincialis AngliæMARIÆ IMMACULATÆ - SEDI SAPIENTIÆ

[II-II.q.2.a.10.ad.3] Ad tertium dicendum, quod ea quæ repugnant fidei, sive in consideratione hominis, sive in exteriori persecutione, intantum augent meritum fidei, inquantum ostenditur voluntas magis prompta et firma in fide. Et ideo etiam martyres majus fidei meritum habuerunt, non recedentes a fide propter persecutiones; et etiam sapientes majus meritum fidei habent, non recedentes a fide propter rationes philosophorum vel hæreticorum contra fidem inductas. Sed ea quæ conveniunt fidei, non semper diminuunt promptitudinem voluntatis ad credendum; et ideo non semper diminuunt meritum fidei.

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