Dist. 12, 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/2/d/12/q/bon-sent-II-d12-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XII.

#### *On the condition of corporeal nature.*

*These things [are said] concerning the condition of angelic nature* etc.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above, the Master treated of the condition of spiritual nature; in this second part he treats of the condition of corporeal [nature]. And since the corporeal creature has two principles, namely the material and the formal, this part therefore has two [sections]. In the first he treats of the production of the corporeal creature as regards its material principle; and this production is called *creation.* In the second he treats of the production of the same as regards its formal principle; and this production is called *distinction,* below in the thirteenth distinction: *Now the first operation of the distinction was* etc.

The first part contains the present distinction, in which he intends to treat of the production of the matter of corporeal things. And since concerning the production of corporeal matter there were two solemn opinions, this part therefore has two [subsections]. In the *first* he chooses one of them. In the *second* he treats of that matter and inquires concerning it according to that opinion, there: *Concerning which matter, before we treat* etc. — The *first* part has four particles. In the first he joins what has been said with what is to be said. In the second he sets forth the various opinions of the Saints concerning the production of corporeal matter, there: *For certain of the saints* etc. In the third he chooses and explains one of these opinions, there: *According to this tradition therefore* etc. In the fourth and last he determines a certain doubt, there: *Note, that here Augustine says* etc.

Likewise the *second* principal part, in which he inquires concerning the matter itself according to the opinion previously chosen, has four parts. In the first he determines in what manner it was formless and confused. In the second he determines where it was located, there: *Now it remains [to consider] what was proposed in the second place.* In the third, anticipating, he determines on which days, or in how many [days], it was distinguished, there: *Now it remains, that the disposition* etc. Fourthly and lastly he confirms [the matter] by the authority of Alcuin, there: *For in four modes, as Alcuin says* etc.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part, according to the two matters which the Master determines concerning the formless matter of corporeal things, a doubt arises here concerning two matters.

First, concerning the informity of matter. Secondly, concerning its quantity.

Concerning the first, three [questions] are asked. First it is asked whether the matter of corporeal things was created in complete possibility. Secondly, whether it was created in perfect actuality. Thirdly, whether it was created under any diversity of forms.

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