Dist. 17, Part 1, 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/4/d/17/q/bon-sent-IV-d17-p1-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XVII.

#### Part I.

*On confession, insofar as it is necessary for justification.*

> Here a manifold question arises. For first it is asked, etc.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above the Master treated of the parts integrating penance as if under a certain summary. Here, because penance, as it is a Sacrament of the Church, is chiefly considered with respect to confession, he principally determines concerning confession. And this part is divided into two. In the first he treats of sacramental confession, as it has the character of a remedy. In the second, insofar as it has the character of a sign, below in the last chapter of this whole part, in the twenty-second distinction: *After the foregoing it remains to investigate, what in the action of penance,* etc.

The first part has four parts. In the first he treats of confession with respect to its necessity on the part of the one confessing. In the second with respect to the power of the one absolving, below in the eighteenth distinction: *Here it is wont to be asked, whether sin is altogether remitted by God,* etc. In the third with respect to the opportuneness of time, below in the twentieth distinction: *It must be known, that the time of penance is even unto the end.* In the fourth with respect to its usefulness on the part of the end, below in the twenty-first distinction beyond the middle: *After these things it must be considered, whether confession profits,* etc.

The first part pertains to the present distinction, which has three parts according to three questions, which the Master determines concerning the necessity of confession. For first he asks, whether confession is necessary for the sinner unto justification. Second, granted that it is in some manner necessary, whether it suffices to confess in the heart, or whether it is necessary to confess by mouth to the very minister of God; and this he pursues there: *Now let us consider the second article of the question.* Third he determines, to which man it is necessary to confess, whether it suffices to confess to a layman, or whether it is necessary to confess to a priest, and this there: *Now before [setting forth] the aforesaid authorities,* etc.

The first part has three parts. In the first he proposes the questions. In the second he argues against both sides of the first question, namely whether confession is necessary unto justification, there: *Certain ones say, without confession of the mouth.* In the third he determines, there: *What therefore is to be thought concerning these things? what is to be held,* etc.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of the first question, which the Master here poses, inquiry is made in this part concerning the justification of the impious. And concerning this two things are principally asked.

First it is asked concerning the things which are necessary for the justification of the impious absolutely.

Second it is asked concerning these same things in comparison with one another.

Concerning the first, four things are asked.

First it is asked, whether for the justification of the impious the infusion of grace is necessary.

Second, whether a movement of free will is necessary.

Third, whether contrition is necessary.

Fourth, whether confession is necessary.

### ARTICLE I.

#### *On the things which are necessary for the justification of the impious absolutely.*

### QUESTION I.

#### *Whether for the justification of the impious the infusion of grace is necessary.*

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