After treating of the procession of the divine persons, we must consider the procession of creatures from God. This consideration will be threefold: (1) of the production of creatures; (2) of the distinction between them; (3) of their preservation and government. Concerning the first point there are three things to be considered: (1) the first cause of beings; (2) the mode of procession of creatures from the first cause; (3) the principle of the duration of things.

Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:

A[1] Whether God is the efficient cause of all beings?

A[2] Whether primary matter is created by God, or is an independent coordinate principle with Him?

A[3] Whether God is the exemplar cause of beings or whether there are other exemplar causes?

A[4] Whether He is the final cause of things?