System of Sacred Theology · §3.15.4 · Ludwig Crocius

VI-VIII: threefold order of knowable objects

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VI. The order of knowable objects is threefold. First, of those which are simply necessary, and which from eternity always were, and all possibles insofar as they are only possible — such is God Himself and whatever naturally is in God. VII. Second is of those which are not eternal and simply necessary, yet truly are existing each in its own mode, either by proper act or at least in their causes — heaven, earth, angels, humans; accidents; past, present, future.

VIII. Third is of those which are necessary neither simply nor from hypothesis, but either only possible, or even altogether impossible and contradictory — as David betrayed by the men of Keilah if he had remained (1 Samuel 23:11); the Tyrians and Sidonians if the Gospel had been preached (Matthew 11:21); that it is impossible for God to perish or lie. From which it is gathered that nothing at all escapes Him.

Latin

VI. Ordo objectorum scibilium triplex est. Primus eorum quae simpliciter necessaria sunt, quaeque ab aeterno semper fuere, omniaque possibilia quatenus tantum possibilia sunt — talis est ipse Deus et quicquid Deo naturaliter inest. VII. Alter est eorum quae non aeterna et necessaria simpliciter, vere tamen sunt existentia suo quoque modo, vel actu proprio vel saltem in causis suis — caelum, terra, angeli, homines; accidentia; praeterita, praesentia, futura. VIII. Tertius est eorum quae neque simpliciter neque ex hypothesi necessaria sunt, sed vel possibilia duntaxat, vel etiam omnino impossibilia et contradictoria — ut David a civibus Ceilae proditus si mansisset, I Sam. XXIII.11; Tyrii et Sidonii si Evangelium praedicatum fuisset, Matth. XI.21; impossibile Deum interire vel mentiri. Ex qua colligitur nihil omnino eum fugere.

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