Dist. 30, 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/30/q/bon-sent-III-d30-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XXX.

#### *On charity as regards the perfection of merit.*

*Here it is wont to be asked which is rather to be preferred, etc.*

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above the Master treated of charity as regards its essence and definition and as regards the distinction of the things to be loved and as regards the order. Here follows the fourth part, in which he treats of the same as regards the perfection of merit. Now this part is divided into two parts. In the first of these he determines concerning the perfection of charity in merit as regards its motions compared to one another, namely concerning the love of friends and of enemies. But in the second he treats of the same in comparison to the one who loves, there: *But that which follows moves us more,* etc.

The first part is divided into three parts. In the first of these he raises a question. But in the second he introduces an authority of Augustine, which seems to stand against his response, there: *Yet Augustine seems to hold.* And in the third he explains the aforesaid authority, there: *Behold, here there seems to be had what we have set forth before.*

Likewise the second part has three parts. In the first of these he introduces a question, which has its origin from the authorities of Augustine, by which it is asked concerning the love of enemies in comparison to the one who loves. But in the second he sets down the determination of certain men, there: *But certain men, wishing to hold simply what is here said.* And in the third he adds his own determination, there: *But it is better that it be understood,* etc.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

Now for the understanding of this part there falls here a question concerning charity as regards the perfection of merit. And concerning this six things can briefly be asked.

The first is whether anyone can, by however little charity, resist however great a temptation, or whether this belongs to perfect charity alone.

The second is whether a man, established in however little charity, is bound to undergo death for Christ.

The third is whether one having perfect charity is bound to fulfill the things that are of perfection.

The fourth is whether all, both the perfect and the imperfect, are bound to love their enemies as to affection.

The fifth is whether all are bound to love their enemies as to effect.

The sixth is which is better and of greater merit, to love a friend, or to love an enemy.

### THE SOLE ARTICLE.

#### *On charity as regards the perfection of merit.*

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