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This question is generally considered at the beginning of
the treatise on grace. We present here the principal
truths relating to this matter.
Theologians commonly distinguish several states of
nature.[1408]
1. By the state of pure nature is meant nature itself
with its intrinsic principles and those that follow or are
due nature, but without grace and the preternatural
gifts. In this state man would have a natural end, the
natural means to attain this end, helps of a natural order
sufficient for all and efficacious for some. He would
also have the natural law, but he would be subject to
ignorance, concupiscence, infirmities, and
death.[1409]
2. The state of integral nature, besides including the
perfections of pure nature, consists in the perfect
subjection of the body to the soul by reason of the
immunity from infirmities and death and in the perfect
subjection of the sensitive appetite to reason because of
the immunity from concupiscence and ignorance. Nature is
said to be integral when there is no division between its
parts or any defection from its perfection. Integrity is
a certain perfection of nature in the natural order which,
though it does not elevate the nature to the supernatural
order of grace, is still gratuitous and preternatural.
In Adam, however, this state of integrity was joined
with his elevation to the order of grace.[1410]
3. The state of holiness and original justice is that in
which grace and the preternatural gifts of integrity are
conferred together; it is the state in which Adam existed
"de facto."[1411]
4. The state of unredeemed fallen nature is that in
which human nature was, by Adam's sin, despoiled of
sanctifying grace, and the infused virtues together with
the gift of integrity, the state that bears the four
wounds of ignorance in the intellect, malice in the will,
concupiscence in the concupiscible appetite, and weakness
in the irascible appetite.[1412]
5. The state of redeemed nature is that in which we now
find the just man redeemed by Christ, endowed with
sanctifying grace, the infused virtues, and the seven
gifts of the Holy Ghost, but without the gift of
integrity in the present life.[1413] Human nature
will not be completely repaired until it is in glory, when
it will again receive the gift of integrity in the
resurrection from the dead.
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