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State of the question. This is the principal article of
this question, at least with regard to ourselves and our
life of grace, for it treats of the principal foundation
of this life. Here is presented matter for preaching and
contemplation. We will, therefore, examine this truth
at some length. Proceeding methodically, we see that
there are six points that claim our attention. We shall
note: 1. the difference between visible and invisible
missions; 2. the crux of the difficulties proposed at
the beginning of the article; 3. the testimony of
Sacred Scripture and tradition; 4. the point where
theologians are generally in agreement; 5. the body of
the article; 6. three interpretations, namely, a) the
more common interpretation of the Thomists, b)
Vasquez's interpretation, c) Suarez' interpretation.
We shall thus be proceeding in an orderly fashion from
what is better known to what is less known, from the
revealed foundation of the doctrine to its
explanation.[624]
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