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?
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