We must now consider the exterior principle of human acts, i. e. God, in so far as, through grace, we are helped by Him to do right: and, first, we must consider the grace of God; secondly, its cause; thirdly, its effects.

The first point of consideration will be threefold: for we shall consider (1) The necessity of grace; (2) grace itself, as to its essence; (3) its division.

Under the first head there are ten points of inquiry:

A[1] Whether without grace man can know anything?

A[2] Whether without God's grace man can do or wish any good?

A[3] Whether without grace man can love God above all things?

A[4] Whether without grace man can keep the commandments of the Law?

A[5] Whether without grace he can merit eternal life?

A[6] Whether without grace man can prepare himself for grace?

A[7] Whether without grace he can rise from sin?

A[8] Whether without grace man can avoid sin?

A[9] Whether man having received grace can do good and avoid sin without any further Divine help?

A[10] Whether he can of himself persevere in good?