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After treating of the procession of the divine persons, we must
consider the procession of creatures from God. This consideration
will be threefold: (1) of the production of creatures; (2) of
the distinction between them; (3) of their preservation and
government. Concerning the first point there are three things to be
considered: (1) the first cause of beings; (2) the mode of
procession of creatures from the first cause; (3) the principle of
the duration of things.
Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:
(1) Whether God is the efficient cause of all beings?
(2) Whether primary matter is created by God, or is an independent
coordinate principle with Him?
(3) Whether God is the exemplar cause of beings or whether there
are other exemplar causes?
(4) Whether He is the final cause of things?
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