Dist. 18, 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/3/d/18/q/bon-sent-III-d18-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XVIII.

*On the use of Christ's will, which consists in the exercise of meriting.*

*"Concerning the merit of Christ also it must not be passed over," etc.*

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above the Master treated of the will of Christ. In this part he treats of the use of the will, which consists in the exercise of meriting. Now this part is divided into two parts. In the first of these he treats of the merit of Christ in himself. Secondly he treats of it as ordered to our benefit, there: *"To what end, then, did he will to suffer and die,"* etc.

The first part is divided into four parts according to the four questions which he determines. In the first the Master determines for whom he merited principally, showing that he merited something for himself. In the second he determines when he began to merit, showing that it was from the instant of conception, there: *"Nor did he merit this alone,"* etc. In the third he determines what he merited, showing that it was not only the glory of impassibility, but also the exaltation of the name, there: *"Nor only the glory of impassibility,"* etc. In the fourth he determines by what necessity he merited, there: *"But if it is asked whether Christ,"* etc.

The second principal part is divided into two parts. In the first of these he sets forth the efficacy of Christ's merit with respect to us. In the second he confirms it by manifold authority, there: *"But how did he redeem us from the devil by his death,"* etc. The subdivisions are partly evident in the text.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

Now for the understanding of this part, in which there is treatment of the merit of Christ, a question arises here concerning two things.

First, there is inquiry concerning his merit as to its use or exercise.

Secondly, as to the reward or fruit.

Concerning the first, three things are asked.

First, it is asked whether Christ merited from the instant of conception.

Secondly, it is asked whether he merited anything after the conception.

Thirdly, it is asked whether he merited anything in the passion.