Complete Works, Vol. XXXIV

...is exalted, and is preferred to all things in dignity and utility. For Philosophy itself, when it is distinguished into natural, rational, and moral, is such that natural philosophy, although it teaches how to know creatures, does not teach how to know the Creator; rational philosophy, although it teaches how to draw conclusions for men, does not teach how to resist the devil; and moral philosophy, although it teaches how to acquire the cardinal virtues, does not teach how to acquire charity. Our philosophy, however—namely, theological truth—effects all these things. For it teaches how to know God, to resist the devil, and to strive in the exercises of charity. This is the apothecary of divine pigments, more delightful than honey and the honeycomb. This is also a treasure desirable above gold and much precious stone. This is the fountain flowing from the place of pleasure, irrigating the paradise of the Church militant.

Finally, I have divided the present writing into seven little books, and I have assigned the individual subjects in each to their own rubrics.

The first is concerning the nature of the Godhead.
The second, concerning the works of the Creator.
The third, concerning the corruption of sin.
The fourth, concerning the humanity of Christ.
The fifth, concerning the sanctification of graces.
The sixth, concerning the virtue of the sacraments.
The seventh, concerning the last times and the punishments of the wicked, and the rewards of the good.

If therefore I have strayed anywhere in this writing, let pardon be granted to me, because I did it in ignorance; but where I have proceeded rightly, let the grace of Jesus Christ be praised, to whose honor and that of his Most Blessed Mother I have compiled this present little work.

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