The title itself of this book, intelligent and devout reader, gives
you to understand the matter treated of, the source from which it
is taken, in what manner and to what end it is proposed.The matter
is Jesus Christ, not viewed however in every respect, but simply as
the Word Incarnate. If it shall please God to grant us life, titne
and sufficient strength, we shall endeavor to offer you some time
other considerations, drawn from the same pure sources of the
angelic doctor, which regard Jesus Christ in his sacraments,
especially in the Eucharist and in his Sacred Heart. But for this
time we confine ourselves to consider him only as the Word of God,
and the Word Incarnate, that is, we limit ourselves to that matter
which is dealt with by St. Thomas in his summa theologica, both in
the first part where he treats of the Person of the Word, and in
the third part where he treats of the Incarnation. With this we
have now indicated from what source the whole matter of the present
volume is taken. It is taken from the works of the angelic doctor
St. Thomas, chiefly from the summa theologica, but sometimes also
from his other works, according as suited the various subjects
which we had to explain. This will give you the reason why we
omitted several points, by treating which we would have been able
to render our labor more complete. We have omitted them, because
they were not found in St. Thomas. For it was our intention in
writing these pages, to confine ourselves, in explaining them, to
the doctrine of St. Thomas and no other. Nor is it even said in the
title that these considerations are com posed by us, but only
gathered, for such they are in trnth; and, therefore, whatever is
found praiseworthy in them, is all to be ascribed to the merit of
the holy doctor, not to ou credit. Imagine a gardener who goes
about through the beds of his garden, rich with every kind of
flowers, selecting and putting those together which suit his
purpose. Is it he that gives to these flowers the loveliness of
their tints, or the elegance and variety of their forms, or the
fragrance of their odors? Not at all; he does nothing more than to
cull them, and join them together in a bunch. The same we have done
ourselves. From the works of the angelic doctor, which are truly a
most flowery garden, we have gone about selecting and gathering
that which served our argument, and we have put it together,
arranging it in the form of considerations. But why have we
preferred a form like this? Because best adapted to the aim we had
in view. By considerations, at least in common use, is understood
not indeed any study of truth, but a study which tends directly, it
is true, to enlighten the understanding with the knowledge of
truth, but is also indirectly calculated to inflame the will with
the love of good. This is precisely what we proposed to ourselves
in compiling this little work; that is, to invite and assist you to
study Jesus Christ in order to know him, and to know him in order
to love him. Hence it is that we have chosen the form and manner of
considerations.
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