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/3/d/29/q/bon-sent-III-d29-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XXIX.

#### *On charity as regards the order of loving.*

*After what has been said, we must now treat of the order of charity.*

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above the Master determined concerning charity as regards its essence and definition and as regards the number and distinction of the things to be loved. Here follows the third part, in which he determines concerning it as regards the order of loving. Now this part is divided into three parts. In the first of these he determines concerning the order of charity by comparison to the things that are loved through charity. In the second by comparison to the benefits that are bestowed through charity, there: *Hence also concerning this a question is often raised.* Thirdly by comparison to the degrees that are found in charity, there: *It is also to be known that there are diverse degrees of charity.*

While the first and last parts remain undivided, the middle part is divided into two parts. In the first of these the Master sets down the opinions of various men concerning this matter. In the second he resolves the incidental doubts, there: *It is also wont to be asked whether our parents,* etc.

The first part is divided into three parts. In the first of these he argues against the one side. But in the second he argues against the other side, there: *Against whom that precept of the Law stands.* And in the third he adds his own opinion, there: *But since the foregoing words of Ambrose,* etc.

Likewise the other part, in which he removes the incidental doubts, has three parts according to the three doubts which he resolves, of which one arises from another. The first he resolves, there: *It is wont to be asked: whether parents.* The second there: *Yet this is an obscure question.* The third there: *It is wont to be asked why God commanded us to love our enemies,* etc. Now the sum of these parts is sufficiently clear from what is said in the text.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

Now for the understanding of this part it is asked here concerning the order of charity. And concerning this there fall under it six doubtful points.

The first is concerning the order of charity considered in general with respect to the things to be loved.

The second is concerning the order of it by comparison of ourselves to God.

The third is concerning the order of the same by comparison of ourselves to neighbor.

The fourth is concerning the order of it by comparison of father to son.

The fifth is concerning the order of charity by comparison of the member of the household to the stranger.

The sixth and last is whether the order of charity is regarded as to effect only, or at the same time as to both affection and effect.

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