Dist. 29, Divisio Textus
by St. Bonaventure
Source text: Public Domain Mark 1.0. English translation/apparatus/encoding: CC BY-NC 4.0, Wroot Press.
https://bonaventure.wrootpress.com/browse/1/d/29/q/bon-sent-I-d29-divisio
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## Commentary on Distinction XXIX.

#### *On the non-personal property, which is common spiration, signified by the name principle.*

> *"There is, moreover, another name, denoting a manifold relation."*

### Division of the text.

Above, the Master treated of the non-personal property which is unbegottenness. Here, in the second place, he treats of the non-personal property or notion which is common spiration, signified by this name *principle*. And since this name is taken not only notionally but also essentially, therefore he first distinguishes the manifold meaning of this name; second, he sets forth the unity of this name, according as it is said of the Father and the Son with respect to the Holy Spirit, showing that they are one principle of the Holy Spirit; and this there: *"Then in the same book, continuing on."*

The first part has two [subdivisions]. In the first he distinguishes the manifold meaning of this name; in the second, however, he explains the members of his distinction, showing through authorities that *principle* has all those meanings, and this there: *"And the Father is from eternity the principle of the Son."*

*"Then in the same book etc."* This is the second part, in which he treats of this name *principle* specifically, as it is said notionally and essentially. And first he shows that the Father and the Son are one principle of the Holy Spirit; second, by what unity they are one, namely by unity of notion, in the last chapter: *"And they are one principle etc."*, where he shows that they are principle by the same notion, and that that notion is spiration.

### Treatment of the questions.

For the understanding of the things said in the present distinction concerning this name *principle*, two [questions] are asked. First it is asked about the name itself with regard to its manifold meaning. Second, with regard to its unity. And concerning the first, two [questions] are asked.

First, supposing that this name *principle* is taken essentially, it is asked whether it can be taken personally or notionally.

Second, granted that [it is taken] both essentially and notionally, it is asked whether on those two modes it is taken univocally or equivocally.

### Article I.

#### *On the principle with regard to its manifold meaning.*

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