Sister Projects: Wikichristian | WikiMD
BelieversCafe is a large collection of christian articles with over 40,000 pages
Our sponsors:
Index [<< | >>]
Supplement [<< | >>]
Question: 95 [<< | >>]
We must now consider the gifts of the blessed; under which head there
are five points of inquiry:
(1) Whether any gifts should be assigned to the blessed?
(2) Whether a gift differs from beatitude?
(3) Whether it is fitting for Christ to have gifts?
(4) Whether this is competent to the angels?
(5) Whether three gifts of the soul are rightly assigned?
Index [<< | >>]
Supplement [<< | >>]
Question: 95 [<< | >>]
Article: 1 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that no gifts should be assigned as dowry to the
blessed. For a dowry (Cod. v, 12, De jure dot. 20: Dig. xxiii, 3, De jure
dot.) is given to the bridegroom for the upkeep of the burdens of
marriage. But the saints resemble not the bridegroom but the bride, as
being members of the Church. Therefore they receive no dowry.
Objection 2: Further, the dowry is given not by the bridegroom's father, but
by the father of the bride (Cod. v, 11, De dot. promiss., 1: Dig. xxiii,
2, De rit. nup.). Now all the beatific gifts are bestowed on the blessed
by the father of the bridegroom, i.e. Christ: "Every best gift and every
perfect gift is from above coming down from the Father of lights."
Therefore these gifts which are bestowed on the blessed should not be
called a dowry.
Objection 3: Further, in carnal marriage a dowry is given that the burdens of
marriage may be the more easily borne. But in spiritual marriage there
are no burdens, especially in the state of the Church triumphant.
Therefore no dowry should be assigned to that state.
Objection 4: Further, a dowry is not given save on the occasion of marriage.
But a spiritual marriage is contracted with Christ by faith in the state
of the Church militant. Therefore if a dowry is befitting the blessed,
for the same reason it will be befitting the saints who are wayfarers.
But it is not befitting the latter: and therefore neither is it befitting
the blessed.
Objection 5: Further, a dowry pertains to external goods, which are styled
goods of fortune: whereas the reward of the blessed will consist of
internal goods. Therefore they should not be called a dowry.
On the contrary, It is written (@Eph. 5:32): "This is a great sacrament:
but I speak in Christ and in the Church." Hence it follows that the
spiritual marriage is signified by the carnal marriage. But in a carnal
marriage the dowered bride is brought to the dwelling of the bridegroom.
Therefore since the saints are brought to Christ's dwelling when they are
beatified, it would seem that they are dowered with certain gifts.
Further, a dowry is appointed to carnal marriage for the ease of
marriage. But the spiritual marriage is more blissful than the carnal
marriage. Therefore a dowry should be especially assigned thereto.
Further, the adornment of the bride is part of the dowry. Now the saints
are adorned when they are taken into glory, according to Is. 61:10, "He
hath clothed me with the garments of salvation . . . as a bride adorned
with her jewels." Therefore the saints in heaven have a dowry.
I answer that, Without doubt the blessed when they are brought into
glory are dowered by God with certain gifts for their adornment, and this
adornment is called their dowry by the masters. Hence the dower of which
we speak now is defined thus: "The dowry is the everlasting adornment of
soul and body adequate to life, lasting for ever in eternal bliss." This
description is taken from a likeness to the material dowry whereby the
bride is adorned and the husband provided with an adequate support for
his wife and children, and yet the dowry remains inalienable from the
bride, so that if the marriage union be severed it reverts to her. As to
the reason of the name there are various opinions. For some say that the
name "dowry" is taken not from a likeness to the corporeal marriage, but
according to the manner of speaking whereby any perfection or adornment
of any person whatever is called an endowment; thus a man who is
proficient in knowledge is said to be endowed with knowledge, and in this
sense ovid employed the word "endowment" (De Arte Amandi i, 538): "By
whatever endowment thou canst please, strive to please." But this does
not seem quite fitting, for whenever a term is employed to signify a
certain thing principally, it is not usually transferred to another save
by reason of some likeness. Wherefore since by its primary signification
a dowry refers to carnal marriage, it follows that in every other
application of the term we must observe some kind of likeness to its
principal signification. Consequently others say that the likeness
consists in the fact that in carnal marriage a dowry is properly a gift
bestowed by the bridegroom on the bride for her adornment when she is
taken to the bridegroom's dwelling: and that this is shown by the words
of Sichem to Jacob and his sons (@Gn. 34:12): "Raise the dowry, and ask
gifts," and from Ex. 22:16: "If a man seduce a virgin . . . and lie with
her, he shall endow her, and have her to wife." Hence the adornment
bestowed by Christ on the saints, when they are brought into the abode of
glory, is called a dowry. But this is clearly contrary to what jurists
say, to whom it belongs to treat of these matters. For they say that a
dowry, properly speaking, is a donation on the part of the wife made to
those who are on the part of the husband, in view of the marriage burden
which the husband has to bear; while that which the bridegroom gives the
bride is called "a donation in view of marriage." In this sense dowry is
taken (@3 Kgs. 9:16) where it is stated that "Pharoa, the king of Egypt,
took Gezer . . . and gave it for a dowry to his daughter, Solomon's
wife." Nor do the authorities quoted prove anything to the contrary. For
although it is customary for a dowry to be given by the maiden's parents,
it happens sometimes that the bridegroom or his father gives the dowry
instead of the bride's father; and this happens in two ways: either by
reason of his very great love for the bride as in the case of Sichem's
father Hemor, who on account of his son's great love for the maiden
wished to give the dowry which he had a right to receive; or as a
punishment on the bridegroom, that he should out of his own possessions
give a dowry to the virgin seduced by him, whereas he should have
received it from the girl's father. In this sense Moses speaks in the
passage quoted above. Wherefore in the opinion of others we should hold
that in carnal marriage a dowry, properly speaking, is that which is
given by those on the wife's side to those on the husband's side, for the
bearing of the marriage burden, as stated above. Yet the difficulty
remains how this signification can be adapted to the case in point, since
the heavenly adornments are given to the spiritual spouse by the Father
of the Bridegroom. This shall be made clear by replying to the objections.
Reply to Objection 1: Although in carnal marriage the dowry is given to the
bridegroom for his use, yet the ownership and control belong to the
bride: which is evident by the fact that if the marriage be dissolved,
the dowry reverts to the bride according to law (Cap. 1,2,3, De donat.
inter virum et uxorem). Thus also in spiritual marriage, the very
adornments bestowed on the spiritual bride, namely the Church in her
members, belong indeed to the Bridegroom, in so far as they conduce to
His glory and honor, yet to the bride as adorned thereby.
Reply to Objection 2: The Father of the Bridegroom, that is of Christ, is the
Person of the Father alone: while the Father of the bride is the whole
Trinity, since that which is effected in creatures belongs to the whole
Trinity. Hence in spiritual marriage these endowments, properly speaking,
are given by the Father of the bride rather than by the Father of the
Bridegroom. Nevertheless, although this endowment is made by all the
Persons, it may be in a manner appropriated to each Person. To the Person
of the Father, as endowing, since He possesses authority; and fatherhood
in relation to creatures is also appropriated to Him, so that He is
Father of both Bridegroom and bride. To the Son it is appropriated,
inasmuch as it is made for His sake and through Him: and to the Holy
Ghost, inasmuch as it is made in Him and according to Him, since love is
the reason of all giving [*Cf. FP, Question [38], Article [2]].
Reply to Objection 3: That which is effected by the dowry belongs to the dowry by
its nature, and that is the ease of marriage: while that which the dowry
removes, namely the marriage burden which is lightened thereby, belongs
to it accidentally: thus it belongs to grace by its nature to make a man
righteous, but accidentally to make an ungodly man righteous.
Accordingly, though there are no burdens in the spiritual marriage, there
is the greatest gladness; and that this gladness may be perfected the
bride is dowered with gifts, so that by their means she may be happily
united with the bridegroom.
Reply to Objection 4: The dowry is usually settled on the bride not when she is
espoused, but when she is taken to the bridegroom's dwelling, so as to be
in the presence of the bridegroom, since "while we are in the body we are
absent from the Lord" (@2 Cor. 5:6). Hence the gifts bestowed on the
saints in this life are not called a dowry, but those which are bestowed
on them when they are received into glory, where the Bridegroom delights
them with His presence.
Reply to Objection 5: In spiritual marriage inward comeliness is required,
wherefore it is written (@Ps. 44:14): "All the glory of the king's
daughter is within," etc. But in carnal marriage outward comeliness is
necessary. Hence there is no need for a dowry of this kind to be
appointed in spiritual marriage as in carnal marriage.
Index [<< | >>]
Supplement [<< | >>]
Question: 95 [<< | >>]
Article: 2 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the dowry is the same as beatitude. For as
appears from the definition of dowry (Article [1]), the dowry is "the
everlasting adornment of body and soul in eternal happiness." Now the
happiness of the soul is an adornment thereof. Therefore beatitude is a
dowry.
Objection 2: Further, a dowry signifies something whereby the union of bride
and bridegroom is rendered delightful. Now such is beatitude in the
spiritual marriage. Therefore beatitude is a dowry.
Objection 3: Further, according to Augustine (In Ps. 92) vision is "the whole
essence of beatitude." Now vision is accounted one of the dowries.
Therefore beatitude is a dowry.
Objection 4: Further, fruition gives happiness. Now fruition is a dowry.
Therefore a dowry gives happiness and thus beatitude is a dowry.
Objection 5: Further, according to Boethius (De Consol. iii), "beatitude is a
state made perfect by the aggregate of all good things." Now the state of
the blessed is perfected by the dowries. Therefore the dowries are part
of beatitude.
On the contrary, The dowries are given without merits: whereas beatitude
is not given, but is awarded in return for merits. Therefore beatitude is
not a dowry.
Further, beatitude is one only, whereas the dowries are several.
Therefore beatitude is not a dowry.
Further, beatitude is in man according to that which is principal in him
(Ethic. x, 7): whereas a dowry is also appointed to the body. Therefore
dowry and beatitude are not the same.
I answer that, There are two opinions on this question. For some say
that beatitude and dowry are the same in reality but differ in aspect:
because dowry regards the spiritual marriage between Christ and the soul,
whereas beatitude does not. But seemingly this will not stand, since
beatitude consists in an operation, whereas a dowry is not an operation,
but a quality or disposition. Wherefore according to others it must be
stated that beatitude and dowry differ even in reality, beatitude being
the perfect operation itself by which the soul is united to God, while
the dowries are habits or dispositions or any other qualities directed to
this same perfect operation, so that they are directed to beatitude
instead of being in it as parts thereof.
Reply to Objection 1: Beatitude, properly speaking, is not an adornment of the
soul, but something resulting from the soul's adornment; since it is an
operation, while its adornment is a certain comeliness of the blessed
themselves.
Reply to Objection 2: Beatitude is not directed to the union but is the union
itself of the soul with Christ. This union is by an operation, whereas
the dowries are gifts disposing to this same union.
Reply to Objection 3: Vision may be taken in two ways. First, actually, i.e. for
the act itself of vision; and thus vision is not a dowry, but beatitude
itself. Secondly, it may be taken habitually, i.e. for the habit whereby
this act is elicited, namely the clarity of glory, by which the soul is
enlightened from above to see God: and thus it is a dowry and the
principle of beatitude, but not beatitude itself. The same answer applies
to OBJ 4.
Reply to Objection 5: Beatitude is the sum of all goods not as though they were
essential parts of beatitude, but as being in a way directed to
beatitude, as stated above.
Index [<< | >>]
Supplement [<< | >>]
Question: 95 [<< | >>]
Article: 3 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem fitting that Christ should receive a dowry. For the
saints will be conformed to Christ through glory, according to Phil.
3:21, "Who will reform the body of our lowness made like to the body of
His glory." Therefore Christ also will have a dowry.
Objection 2: Further, in the spiritual marriage a dowry is given in likeness
to a carnal marriage. Now there is a spiritual marriage in Christ, which
is peculiar to Him, namely of the two natures in one Person, in regard to
which the human nature in Him is said to have been espoused by the Word,
as a gloss [*St. Augustine, De Consensu Evang. i, 40] has it on Ps. 18:6,
"He hath set His tabernacle in the sun," etc., and Apoc. 21:3, "Behold
the tabernacle of God with men." Therefore it is fitting that Christ
should have a dowry.
Objection 3: Further, Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. iii) that Christ,
according to the Rule [*Liber regularum] of Tyconius, on account of the
unity of the mystic body that exists between the head and its members,
calls Himself also the Bride and not only the Bridegroom, as may be
gathered from Is. 61:10, "As a bridegroom decked with a crown, and as a
bride adorned with her jewels." Since then a dowry is due to the bride,
it would seem that Christ ought to receive a dowry.
Objection 4: Further, a dowry is due to all the members of the Church, since
the Church is the spouse. But Christ is a member of the Church according
to 1 Cor. 12:27, "You are the body of Christ, and members of member, i.e.
of Christ," according to a gloss. Therefore the dowry is due to Christ.
Objection 5: Further, Christ has perfect vision, fruition, and joy. Now these
are the dowries. Therefore, etc.
On the contrary, A distinction of persons is requisite between the
bridegroom and the bride. But in Christ there is nothing personally
distinct from the Son of God Who is the Bridegroom, as stated in Jn.
3:29, "He that hath the bride is the bridegroom." Therefore since the
dowry is allotted to the bride or for the bride, it would seem unfitting
for Christ to have a dowry.
Further, the same person does not both give and receive a dowry. But it
is Christ Who gives spiritual dowries. Therefore it is not fitting that
Christ should have a dowry.
I answer that, There are two opinions on this point. For some say that
there is a threefold union in Christ. One is the union of concord,
whereby He is united to God in the bond of love; another is the union of
condescension, whereby the human nature is united to the Divine; the
third is the union whereby Christ is united to the Church. They say,
then, that as regards the first two unions it is fitting for Christ to
have the dowries as such, but as regards the third, it is fitting for Him
to have the dowries in the most excellent degree, considered as to that
in which they consist, but not considered as dowries; because in this
union Christ is the bridegroom and the Church the bride, and a dowry is
given to the bride as regards property and control, although it is given
to the bridegroom as to use. But this does not seem congruous. For in the
union of Christ with the Father by the concord of love, even if we
consider Him as God, there is not said to be a marriage, since it implies
no subjection such as is required in the bride towards the bridegroom.
Nor again in the union of the human nature with the Divine, whether we
consider the Personal union or that which regards the conformity of will,
can there be a dowry, properly speaking, for three reasons. First,
because in a marriage where a dowry is given there should be likeness of
nature between bridegroom and bride, and this is lacking in the union of
the human nature with the Divine; secondly, because there is required a
distinction of persons, and the human nature is not personally distinct
from the Word; thirdly, because a dowry is given when the bride is first
taken to the dwelling of the bridegroom and thus would seem to belong to
the bride, who from being not united becomes united; whereas the human
nature, which was assumed into the unity of Person by the Word, never was
otherwise than perfectly united. Wherefore in the opinion of others we
should say that the notion of dowry is either altogether unbecoming to
Christ, or not so properly as to the saints; but that the things which we
call dowries befit Him in the highest degree.
Reply to Objection 1: This conformity must be understood to refer to the thing
which is a dowry and not to the notion of a dowry being in Christ: for it
is not requisite that the thing in which we are conformed to Christ
should be in the same way in Christ and in us.
Reply to Objection 2: Human nature is not properly said to be a bride in its
union with the Word, since the distinction of persons, which is requisite
between bridegroom and bride, is not observed therein. That human nature
is sometimes described as being espoused in reference to its union with
the Word is because it has a certain act of the bride, in that it is
united to the Bridegroom inseparably, and in this union is subject to the
Word and ruled by the Word, as the bride by the bridegroom.
Reply to Objection 3: If Christ is sometimes spoken of as the Bride, this is not
because He is the Bride in very truth, but in so far as He personifies
His spouse, namely the Church, who is united to Him spiritually. Hence
nothing hinders Him, in this way of speaking, from being said to have the
dowries, not that He Himself is dowered, but the Church.
Reply to Objection 4: The term Church is taken in two senses. For sometimes it
denotes the body only, which is united to Christ as its Head. In this way
alone has the Church the character of spouse: and in this way Christ is
not a member of the Church, but is the Head from which all the members
receive. In another sense the Church denotes the head and members united
together; and thus Christ is said to be a member of the Church, inasmuch
as He fulfills an office distinct from all others, by pouring forth life
into the other members: although He is not very properly called a member,
since a member implies a certain restriction, whereas in Christ spiritual
good is not restricted but is absolutely entire [*Cf. TP, Question [8], Article [1]], so
that He is the entire good of the Church, nor is He together with others
anything greater than He is by Himself. Speaking of the Church in this
sense, the Church denotes not only the bride, but the bridegroom and
bride, in so far as one thing results from their spiritual union.
Consequently although Christ be called a member of the Church in a
certain sense, He can by no means be called a member of the bride; and
therefore the idea of a dowry is not becoming to Him.
Reply to Objection 5: There is here a fallacy of "accident"; for these things are
not befitting to Christ if we consider them under the aspect of dowry.
Index [<< | >>]
Supplement [<< | >>]
Question: 95 [<< | >>]
Article: 4 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem that the angels receive dowries. For a gloss on
Canticle of Canticles 6:8, "One is my dove," says: "One is the Church
among men and angels." But the Church is the bride, wherefore it is
fitting for the members of the Church to have the dowries. Therefore the
angels have the dowries.
Objection 2: Further, a gloss on Lk. 12:36, "And you yourselves like to men
who wait for their lord, when he shall return from the wedding," says:
"Our Lord went to the wedding when after His resurrection the new Man
espoused to Himself the angelic host." Therefore the angelic hosts are
the spouse of Christ and consequently it is fitting that they should have
the dowries.
Objection 3: Further, the spiritual marriage consists in a spiritual union. Now the spiritual union between the angels and God is no less than between beatified men and God. Since, then, the dowries of which we treat now are assigned by reason of a spiritual marriage, it would seem that they are becoming to the angels.
Objection 4: Further, a spiritual marriage demands a spiritual bridegroom and
a spiritual bride. Now the angels are by nature more conformed than men
to Christ as the supreme spirit. Therefore a spiritual marriage is more
possible between the angels and Christ than between men and Christ.
Objection 5: Further, a greater conformity is required between the head and
members than between bridegroom and bride. Now the conformity between
Christ and the angels suffices for Christ to be called the Head of the
angels. Therefore for the same reason it suffices for Him to be called
their bridegroom.
On the contrary, Origen at the beginning of the prologue to his
commentary on the Canticles, distinguishes four persons, namely "the
bridegroom with the bride, the young maidens, and the companions of the
bridegroom": and he says that "the angels are the companions of the
bridegroom." Since then the dowry is due only to the bride, it would seem
that the dowries are not becoming to the angels.
Further, Christ espoused the Church by His Incarnation and Passion:
wherefore this is foreshadowed in the words (@Ex. 4:25), "A bloody spouse
thou art to me." Now by His Incarnation and Passion Christ was not
otherwise united to the angels than before. Therefore the angels do not
belong to the Church, if we consider the Church as spouse. Therefore the
dowries are not becoming to the angels.
I answer that, Without any doubt, whatever pertains to the endowments of
the soul is befitting to the angels as it is to men. But considered under
the aspect of dowry they are not as becoming to the angels as to men,
because the character of bride is not so properly becoming to the angels
as to men. For there is required a conformity of nature between
bridegroom and bride, to wit that they should be of the same species. Now
men are in conformity with Christ in this way, since He took human
nature, and by so doing became conformed to all men in the specific
nature of man. on the other hand, He is not conformed to the angels in
unity of species, neither as to His Divine nor as to His human nature.
Consequently the notion of dowry is not so properly becoming to angels as
to men. Since, however, in metaphorical expressions, it is not necessary
to have a likeness in every respect, we must not argue that one thing is
not to be said of another metaphorically on account of some lack of
likeness; and consequently the argument we have adduced does not prove
that the dowries are simply unbecoming to the angels, but only that they
are not so properly befitting to angels as to men, on account of the
aforesaid lack of likeness.
Reply to Objection 1: Although the angels are included in the unity of the
Church, they are not members of the Church according to conformity of
nature, if we consider the Church as bride: and thus it is not properly
fitting for them to have the dowries.
Reply to Objection 2: Espousal is taken there in a broad sense, for union without
conformity of specific nature: and in this sense nothing prevents our
saying that the angels have the dowries taking these in a broad sense.
Reply to Objection 3: In the spiritual marriage although there is no other than a
spiritual union, those whose union answers to the idea of a perfect
marriage should agree in specific nature. Hence espousal does not
properly befit the angels.
Reply to Objection 4: The conformity between the angels and Christ as God is not
such as suffices for the notion of a perfect marriage, since so far are
they from agreeing in species that there is still an infinite distance
between them.
Reply to Objection 5: Not even is Christ properly called the Head of the angels,
if we consider the head as requiring conformity of nature with the
members. We must observe, however, that although the head and the other
members are parts of an individual of one species, if we consider each
one by itself, it is not of the same species as another member, for a
hand is another specific part from the head. Hence, speaking of the
members in themselves, the only conformity required among them is one of
proportion, so that one receive from another, and one serve another.
Consequently the conformity between God and the angels suffices for the
notion of head rather than for that of bridegroom.
Index [<< | >>]
Supplement [<< | >>]
Question: 95 [<< | >>]
Article: 5 [<< | >>]
Objection 1: It would seem unfitting to assign to the soul three dowries,
namely, "vision," "love" and "fruition." For the soul is united to God
according to the mind wherein is the image of the Trinity in respect of
the memory, understanding, and will. Now love regards the will, and
vision the understanding. Therefore there should be something
corresponding to the memory, since fruition regards not the memory but
the will.
Objection 2: Further, the beatific dowries are said to correspond to the
virtues of the way, which united us to God: and these are faith, hope,
and charity, whereby God Himself is the object. Now love corresponds to
charity, and vision to faith. Therefore there should be something
corresponding to hope, since fruition corresponds rather to charity.
Objection 3: Further, we enjoy God by love and vision only, since "we are said
to enjoy those things which we love for their own sake," as Augustine
says (De Doctr. Christ. i, 4). Therefore fruition should not be reckoned
a distinct dowry from love.
Objection 4: Further, comprehension is required for the perfection of
beatitude: "So run that you may comprehend" (@1 Cor. 9:24). Therefore we
should reckon a fourth dowry
Objection 5: Further, Anselm says (De Simil. xlviii) that the following
pertain to the soul's beatitude: "wisdom, friendship, concord, power,
honor, security, joy": and consequently the aforesaid dowries are
reckoned unsuitably.
Objection 6: Further, Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xxii) that "in that
beatitude God will be seen unendingly, loved without wearying, praised
untiringly." Therefore praise should be added to the aforesaid dowries.
Objection 7: Further, Boethius reckons five things pertaining to beatitude (De
Consol. iii) and these are: Sufficiency which wealth offers, joy which
pleasure offers, celebrity which fame offers, security which power
offers, reverence which dignity offers. Consequently it seems that these
should be reckoned as dowries rather than the aforesaid.
I answer that, All agree in reckoning three dowries of the soul, in
different ways however. For some say that the three dowries of the soul
are vision, love, and fruition. others reckon them to be vision,
comprehension, and fruition; others, vision, delight, and comprehension.
However, all these reckonings come to the same, and their number is
assigned in the same way. For it has been said (Article [2]) that a dowry is
something inherent to the soul, and directing it to the operation in
which beatitude consists. Now two things are requisite in this operation:
its essence which is vision, and its perfection which is delight: since
beatitude must needs be a perfect operation. Again, a vision is
delightful in two ways: first, on the part of the object, by reason of
the thing seen being delightful; secondly, on the part of the vision, by
reason of the seeing itself being delightful, even as we delight in
knowing evil things, although the evil things themselves delight us not.
And since this operation wherein ultimate beatitude consists must needs
be most perfect, this vision must needs be delightful in both ways. Now
in order that this vision be delightful on the part of the vision, it
needs to be made connatural to the seer by means of a habit; while for it
to be delightful on the part of the visible object, two things are
necessary, namely that the visible object be suitable, and that it be
united to the seer. Accordingly for the vision to be delightful on its
own part a habit is required to elicit the vision, and thus we have one
dowry, which all call vision. But on the part of the visible object two
things are necessary. First, suitableness, which regards the
affections---and in this respect some reckon love as a dowry, others
fruition (in so far as fruition regards the affective part) since what we
love most we deem most suitable. Secondly, union is required on the part
of the visible object, and thus some reckon comprehension, which is
nothing else than to have God present and to hold Him within ourself
[*Cf. FS, Question [4], Article [3]]; while others reckon fruition, not of hope, which
is ours while on the way, but of possession [*Literally "of the reality:
non spei . . . sed rei"] which is in heaven.
Thus the three dowries correspond to the three theological virtues,
namely vision to faith, comprehension (or fruition in one sense) to
hope, and fruition (or delight according to another reckoning to
charity). For perfect fruition such as will be had in heaven includes
delight and comprehension, for which reason some take it for the one, and
some for the other.
Others, however, ascribe these three dowries to the three powers of the
soul, namely vision to the rational, delight to the concupiscible, and
fruition to the irascible, seeing that this fruition is acquired by a
victory. But this is not said properly, because the irascible and
concupiscible powers are not in the intellective but in the sensitive
part, whereas the dowries of the soul are assigned to the mind.
Reply to Objection 1: Memory and understanding have but one act: either because
understanding is itself an act of memory, or---if understanding denote a
power---because memory does not proceed to act save through the medium of
the understanding, since it belongs to the memory to retain knowledge.
Consequently there is only one habit, namely knowledge, corresponding to
memory and understanding: wherefore only one dowry, namely vision,
corresponds to both.
Reply to Objection 2: Fruition corresponds to hope, in so far as it includes
comprehension which will take the place of hope: since we hope for that
which we have not yet; wherefore hope chafes somewhat on account of the
distance of the beloved: for which reason it will not remain in heaven
[Cf. SS, Question [18], Article [2]] but will be succeeded by comprehension.
Reply to Objection 3: Fruition as including comprehension is distinct from vision
and love, but otherwise than love from vision. For love and vision denote
different habits, the one belonging to the intellect, the other to the
affective faculty. But comprehension, or fruition as denoting
comprehension, does not signify a habit distinct from those two, but the
removal of the obstacles which made it impossible for the mind to be
united to God by actual vision. This is brought about by the habit of
glory freeing the soul from all defects; for instance by making it
capable of knowledge without phantasms, of complete control over the
body, and so forth, thus removing the obstacles which result in our being
pilgrims from the Lord.
Reply to Objection 4:is clear from what has been said.
Reply to Objection 5: Properly speaking, the dowries are the immediate principles
of the operation in which perfect beatitude consists and whereby the soul
is united to Christ. The things mentioned by Anselm do not answer to this
description; but they are such as in any way accompany or follow
beatitude, not only in relation to the Bridegroom, to Whom "wisdom" alone
of the things mentioned by him refers, but also in relation to others.
They may be either one's equals, to whom "friendship" refers as regards
the union of affections, and "concord" as regards consent in actions, or
one's inferiors, to whom "power" refers, so far as inferior things are
ordered by superior, and "honor" as regards that which inferiors offer
to their superiors. Or again (they may accompany or follow beatitude) in
relation to oneself: to this "security" refers as regards the removal of
evil, and "joy" as regards the attainment of good.
Reply to Objection 6: Praise, which Augustine mentions as the third of those
things which will obtain in heaven, is not a disposition to beatitude but
rather a sequel to beatitude: because from the very fact of the soul's
union with God, wherein beatitude consists, it follows that the soul
breaks forth into praise. Hence praise has not the necessary conditions
of a dowry.
Reply to Objection 7: The five things aforesaid mentioned by Boethius are certain
conditions of beatitude, but not dispositions to beatitude or to its act,
because beatitude by reason of its perfection has of itself alone and
undividedly all that men seek in various things, as the Philosopher
declares (Ethic. i, 7; x, 7,8). Accordingly Boethius shows that these
five things obtain in perfect beatitude, because they are what men seek
in temporal happiness. For they pertain either, as "security," to
immunity from evil, or to the attainment either of the suitable good, as
"joy," or of the perfect good, as "sufficiency," or to the manifestation
of good, as "celebrity," inasmuch as the good of one is made known to
others, or as "reverence," as indicating that good or the knowledge
thereof, for reverence is the showing of honor which bears witness to
virtue. Hence it is evident that these five should not be called dowries,
but conditions of beatitude.