Dist. 33, 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/33/q/bon-sent-III-d33-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XXXIII.

#### *On the cardinal virtues.*

*After what has been said before concerning the four virtues, etc.*

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

This part, in which the Master determines concerning the gratuitous habits, inasmuch as they are distinguished from one another, was divided into three parts. In the first of these he determines concerning the habits of the theological virtues; in the second concerning the habits of the cardinal virtues; in the third concerning the habits of the gifts. The first part being finished, here begins the second part, which contains the present distinction. Now this part is divided into four parts according to the four [matters] which he determines concerning the cardinal virtues themselves. In the first of these he determines concerning them as regards their number and distinction. But in the second [he treats of them] as regards the ground of their name, there: *These are called cardinal virtues,* etc. And in the third he raises a question concerning

the evacuation of those virtues, there: *But whether these virtues,* etc. And in the fourth he subjoins the determination of the question, there: *To some it has seemed that they will cease,* etc. And that last part could be subdivided into four parts. In the first of these he answers the question proposed as regards the habit of justice. But in the second [he answers] as regards the habits of the other three, showing according to which acts they will remain in the fatherland, there: *Perhaps the other virtues also.* And in the third he epilogizes upon the things predetermined, there: *Behold, openly Augustine.* And in the fourth he confirms it by authority, there: *To which Bede consents, upon Exodus,* etc.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

Now for the understanding of this whole part and of the brief distinction, a question arises here concerning the cardinal virtues in general; and concerning this six matters can briefly be asked.

First it is asked concerning the cardinal virtues themselves as regards their necessity or usefulness.

Secondly, as regards their diversity.

Thirdly, as regards their subject.

Fourthly, as regards their number.

Fifthly it is asked concerning them as regards their origin.

Sixthly and last, as regards their final duration.

### THE SOLE ARTICLE.

#### *On the cardinal virtues in general.*

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