Dist. 20, Part 2, 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/20/q/bon-sent-IV-d20-p2-divisio
----------------------------------------
## Commentary on Distinction XX — Part II.

*On the time of penance in comparison to the judgment of the priest.*

*But if it is asked concerning him who [does not complete] the satisfaction enjoined.*

FOR THE TEXT OF THE MASTER SEE ABOVE, PAGE 515.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above, the Master determined the time of penance in itself. Here, in the second place, he determines it in comparison to the judgment of the priest. And since in the penance imposed by a priest there are three things to consider — namely the reconciliation, and the imposition or enjoining of the penalty, and beyond that the fulfillment of the enjoined penalty — therefore this part has three [sections].

In the first the Master asks, beginning as it were in resolutory order from the latter point, whether, once the enjoined penalty is completed, the penitent is absolved simply; and he does this there: *But if it is asked concerning him* etc. In the second, when the penance is to be imposed, namely whether at the extreme article of death, and this there: *It is also wont to be asked, whether the law of satisfaction* etc. In the third he asks whether reconciliation is to be denied to anyone, there: *It must be known that in the time of necessity.*

And that part is divided into three. In the first he shows that reconciliation is not to be denied in the article of necessity. In the second he shows that beyond necessity, in grave [cases], one ought to consult the bishop, there: *The presbyter, however, ought not* etc. In the third he shows that if the penitent willed to be reconciled and could not, that he is to be held as reconciled, and this there: *But if it is asked concerning him who, hastening to penance* etc. — But the intention of the present part consists principally in how satisfaction is to be enjoined and how it is to be fulfilled, whether also through an interposed person, and whether namely the whole [of it].

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part, inquiry is made concerning the diminution of satisfaction. And concerning this six [questions] are asked.

First it is asked, whether a commutation of satisfaction can be made.

Second, whether a relaxation can or ought to be made.

Third, granted that it can, it is asked by whom it can be made.

Fourth it is asked, for whom it can be made.

Fifth, to whom it avails.

Sixth and last, how much it avails.