QUESTION 22

THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD

(In Four Articles)

Having considered all that relates to the will absolutely, we must

now proceed to those things which have relation to both the intellect

and the will, namely providence, in respect to all created things;

predestination and reprobation and all that is connected with these

acts in respect especially of man as regards his eternal salvation.

For in the science of morals, after the moral virtues themselves,

comes the consideration of prudence, to which providence would seem

to belong. Concerning God's providence there are four points of

inquiry:

(1) Whether providence is suitably assigned to God?

(2) Whether everything comes under divine providence?

(3) Whether divine providence is immediately concerned with all

things?

(4) Whether divine providence imposes any necessity upon things

foreseen?

_______________________

Summa Theologica, Part I (Prima Pars) From the Complete American Edition · 第 174 / 722 题