Dist. 45, 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/45/q/bon-sent-IV-d45-divisio
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### COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION XLV.
#### *On the state and condition of good souls after death.*

*Moreover it must be known that all souls, as Augustine says,* etc.

### DIVISION OF THE TEXT.

Above the Master treated of the restoration of bodies; here he treats of the state of souls after death; and this part is divided into two. In the first part he determines concerning the state and condition of good souls. In the second, concerning the condition and state of evil souls, in the forty-sixth distinction, there: *But it is asked here concerning the very evil* etc.

The first part has two [subdivisions]. In the first he determines concerning the receptacles of souls. In the second part he determines concerning the suffrages which can be made for souls, there: *Nor is it to be denied, as Augustine says, that the souls of the dead* etc. And that second part has two. In the first he determines concerning the suffrages which the living bestow upon the dead. In the second he determines concerning the suffrages or helps which the dead bestow upon the living, there: *But perhaps you ask: do the prayers of those who supplicate* etc.

The first part has two. In the first he determines the truth [of the matter]. In the second he raises doubts, there: *A question is wont to be raised concerning two men, one rich* etc. And the first part has two. In the first he determines what those things are which profit the dead. In the second, what those things are which do not profit, there: *But concerning the pomp of funerals the same Augustine* etc. — Likewise the second part, in which he raises questions, has two. In the first part he determines this question, whether suffrages profit all equally. In the second he inquires concerning

the infirm man, whom the suffrages of the Church cannot assist, how he may come to be freed, there: *But again it is asked concerning someone moderately good* etc.

The sum, therefore, of this distinction consists in three things: first, in the receptacles of souls; second, in the suffrages which the living bestow upon the dead; third, in the suffrages which the dead bestow upon the living. And in these the whole is comprised.

### TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.

For the understanding of this part according to the three things which the Master determines in the text, three things are principally asked.

First it is asked concerning the receptacles of souls that have been stripped [of their bodies].

Second, concerning the suffrages which they receive from the living.

Third, concerning the suffrages which they bestow upon the living.

Concerning the first, three things are asked.

First it is asked concerning the receptacles of souls before the coming of Christ.

Second it is asked whether after the coming of Christ they had determinate places.

Third, whether they go forth to outward things.

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