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Objection 1: It seems that fortitude is not a gift. For the
virtues differ from the gifts: and fortitude is a virtue. Therefore
it should not be reckoned a gift.
Objection 2: Further, the acts of the gift remain in heaven, as
stated above (FS, Question 68, Article 6). But the act of
fortitude does not remain in heaven: for Gregory says (Moral. i)
that "fortitude encourages the fainthearted against hardships, which
will be altogether absent from heaven." Therefore fortitude is not a
gift.
Objection 3: Further, Augustine says (De Doctr. Christ. ii)
that "it is a sign of fortitude to cut oneself adrift from all the
deadly pleasures of the passing show." Now noisome pleasures and
delights are the concern of temperance rather than of fortitude.
Therefore it seems that fortitude is not the gift corresponding to the
virtue of fortitude.
On the contrary, Fortitude is reckoned among the other gifts of the
Holy Ghost (Is. 11:2).
I answer that, Fortitude denotes a certain firmness of mind, as
stated above (Question 123, Article 2; FS, Question 61,
Article 3): and this firmness of mind is required both in doing good
and in enduring evil, especially with regard to goods or evils that are
difficult. Now man, according to his proper and connatural mode, is
able to have this firmness in both these respects, so as not to forsake
the good on account of difficulties, whether in accomplishing an
arduous work, or in enduring grievous evil. In this sense fortitude
denotes a special or general virtue, as stated above (Question
123, Article 2).
Yet furthermore man's mind is moved by the Holy Ghost, in order
that he may attain the end of each work begun, and avoid whatever
perils may threaten. This surpasses human nature: for sometimes it is
not in a man's power to attain the end of his work, or to avoid evils
or dangers, since these may happen to overwhelm him in death. But the
Holy Ghost works this in man, by bringing him to everlasting life,
which is the end of all good deeds, and the release from all perils.
A certain confidence of this is infused into the mind by the Holy
Ghost Who expels any fear of the contrary. It is in this sense that
fortitude is reckoned a gift of the Holy Ghost. For it has been
stated above (FS, Question 68, Articles 1,2) that the gifts
regard the motion of the mind by the Holy Ghost.
Reply to Objection 1: Fortitude, as a virtue, perfects the mind
in the endurance of all perils whatever; but it does not go so far as
to give confidence of overcoming all dangers: this belongs to the
fortitude that is a gift of the Holy Ghost.
Reply to Objection 2: The gifts have not the same acts in heaven as
on the way: for they exercise acts in connection with the enjoyment of
the end. Hence the act of fortitude there is to enjoy full security
from toil and evil.
Reply to Objection 3: The gift of fortitude regards the virtue of
fortitude not only because it consists in enduring dangers, but also
inasmuch as it consists in accomplishing any difficult work. Wherefore
the gift of fortitude is directed by the gift of counsel, which seems
to be concerned chiefly with the greater goods.
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