Dist. 25, 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/25/q/bon-sent-IV-d25-divisio
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## Commentary on Distinction XXV
### *On the dispensation of sacred order.*

*It is also asked whether heretics cut off from the Church etc.*

### Division of the text.

The Master above treated of order; here he treats of the power of conferring orders. And since the power requires due matter and due ordination, therefore the Master first treats of the power of conferring orders. Second, of the vice that occurs concerning the giving and receiving of order, which is simony, at: *Concerning simoniacs, however, there is no doubt*. Third, of the fitness of those to be ordained, especially as regards age, at: *On the age of those to be ordained*, in the last chapter.

The first part has three [sections]. In the first he argues to the false position, showing that heretics cannot give orders. In the second, to the true position, at: *But others seem to think the contrary etc.* In the third he resolves [the matter], at: *But certain ones determine these matters thus etc.*

*Concerning simoniacs, however, there is no doubt etc.* This is the second part, in which he treats of the vice that occurs concerning the giving and receiving of orders, which indeed is simony; and this part has two [sections]. In the first he treats of the fault. In the second he treats of the penalty, at: *Yet there is a difference between those who are ordained etc.*

### Treatment of the questions.

For the understanding of the present distinction, two things are principally asked.

First it is asked concerning the power of ordaining.

Second, concerning the possibility of those to be ordained.

Concerning the first, four things are asked.

First, whether the bishop alone can ordain.

Second, whether a heretical bishop can give orders.

Third, whether a simoniacal bishop can sell an order to anyone.

Fourth, whether one who gives orders simoniacally becomes by that very fact a heretic.

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