Having to treat now of the theological virtues, we shall begin with Faith, secondly we shall speak of Hope, and thirdly, of Charity.
The treatise on Faith will be fourfold: (1) Of faith itself; (2) Of the corresponding gifts, knowledge and understanding; (3) Of the opposite vices; (4) Of the precepts pertaining to this virtue.
About faith itself we shall consider: (1) its object; (2) its act; (3) the habit of faith.
Under the first head there are ten points of inquiry:
A[1] Whether the object of faith is the First Truth?
A[2] Whether the object of faith is something complex or incomplex, i. e. whether it is a thing or a proposition?
A[3] Whether anything false can come under faith?
A[4] Whether the object of faith can be anything seen?
A[5] Whether it can be anything known?
A[6] Whether the things to be believed should be divided into a certain number of articles?
A[7] Whether the same articles are of faith for all times?
A[8] Of the number of articles;
A[9] Of the manner of embodying the articles in a symbol;
A[10] Who has the right to propose a symbol of faith?
|