Dist. 42, 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/42/q/bon-sent-II-d42-divisio
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## COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XLII.

*On the differences of sins in general.*

*"But since an evil will and an operation," etc.*

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above the Master showed how sin takes its origin from the will in general; but in this part the Master descends to the differences of sin. Now this part is divided into two parts. In the first of these the Master descends to the common differences of sin. In the second he descends to one special sin, which among the other kinds of sins is more grave and abominable, there: *"There is, moreover, one kind of sin,"* etc.

The first part, which pertains to the present distinction, has three parts, since the difference of one sin from another can be considered in three ways: either with respect to the *act*, or with respect to the *guilt*, or with respect to the *manner* of sinning. In the first, therefore, the Master inquires into the difference between sins of deed and of will. In the second he inquires into the difference on the side of guilt, which is between the kind of original and of actual sin, of venial and of mortal sin, there: *"Moreover, it is wont to be asked,"* etc. In the third he subjoins the diverse manners of sinning, or the diverse kinds of sins, by way of narration, there: *"Now the manners of sins [are] various,"* etc.

The first part is divided into two. In the first of these the Master raises a question and determines it according to a twofold opinion. But in the second he replies to the objections which seem to impugn the more probable opinion, there: *"To which others reply, that these two diverse [things],"* etc.

Likewise the second part, in which he inquires into the differences of sins with respect to guilt, has two [parts]. In the first he asks how guilt can remain when the sin has departed; in which is taken the difference between actual and original sin, because actual sin passes away in act and remains in guilt, but original sin conversely. But in the second he shows that guilt is taken in many ways in Scripture, namely for the obligation to eternal punishment and to temporal punishment, from which is taken the difference between mortal and venial sin, there: *"Now guilt is taken in many ways in Scripture."*

Likewise the third part has two parts. In the first of these the Master touches upon five customary manners of dividing sins in Scripture. But in the second he removes a doubt which takes its origin from one of those divisions, there: *"Yet from pride all evils arise,"* etc.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

Now for the understanding of this part, according to the three things which are here determined, a question arises here concerning three matters.

First there is here a question about the comparison of the sin of deed to the sin of will.

Second, about the comparison of venial and mortal sin.

Third a question arises here concerning the manners of dividing sin.

Concerning the first, two [questions] are asked.

First it is asked whether the sin of will and of deed are two sins, or one.

Second, whether the one adds to the other.

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