Dist. 8, Part 2, Divisio Textus
Book II: On the Creation of Things · Distinction 8
COMMENTARIUS IN DISTINCTIONEM VIII.
Pars II.
De potestate daemonum respectu hominum.
Illud etiam consideratione dignissimum videtur etc.
TEXTUM MAGISTRI VIDE SUPRA PAG. 209.
DIVISIO TEXTUS.
Supra egit Magister de virtute daemonum, et etiam bonorum spirituum respectu corporum humanorum similium. In hac parte agit de virtute et potestate daemonum respectu hominum. Dividitur autem haec pars in quatuor particulas. In prima Magister determinat veritatem1, in secunda confirmat per auctoritatem Evangelii, ibi: Quod in homines introeant etc. In tertia vero explanat per auctoritatem Gennadii, ibi: De hoc autem Gennadius etc. In quarta et ultima illam explanat per auctoritatem Bedae presbyteri, ibi: Beda quoque super illum locum etc.
TRACTATIO QUAESTIONUM.
Ad intelligentiam huius partis sex incidunt dubitabilia.
Primo enim quaeritur, utrum daemones habitare possint in humanis corporibus.
Secundo, utrum illabantur animabus.
Tertio, utrum possint ludificare humanos sensus.
Quarto, utrum possint cogitationes immittere.
Quinto, utrum possint affectiones incendere.
Sexto, utrum possint scrutari secreta nostrae conscientiae.
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COMMENTARY ON DISTINCTION VIII.
Part II.
Of the power of the demons with respect to men.
"This also seems most worthy of consideration," etc.
FOR THE TEXT OF THE MASTER, SEE ABOVE, P. 209.
DIVISION OF THE TEXT.
Above, the Master treated of the power of the demons, and also of the good spirits, with respect to bodies similar to those of men. In this part he treats of the power and authority of the demons with respect to men. And this part is divided into four sections. In the first the Master determines the truth1 [of the matter]; in the second he confirms [it] by the authority of the Gospel, there: That they enter into men etc. In the third, however, he explains [it] by the authority of Gennadius, there: But of this Gennadius etc. In the fourth and last he explains it by the authority of the priest Bede, there: Bede also upon that place etc.
TREATMENT OF THE QUESTIONS.
For the understanding of this part, six points fall to be considered.
First it is asked whether the demons can dwell in human bodies.
Secondly, whether they slip into souls.
Thirdly, whether they can delude the human senses.
Fourthly, whether they can implant thoughts.
Fifthly, whether they can inflame affections.
Sixthly, whether they can scrutinize the secrets of our conscience.
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- Vat. Magister quaerit. In secunda determinat per etc.The Vatican edition reads Magister quaerit. In secunda determinat per [The Master inquires. In the second [part] he determines through] etc. [i.e., in place of Magister determinat veritatem, in secunda confirmat per]. ---