Question I: Whether latria belongs to the genus of some virtue

Note from D. Bonavent. in 3. dist. 9. art. 2. quaest. 1. that Latria is an external act of Religion, which is called Adoration, as I said disp. 1. quaest. 2.; and indeed it differs from Dulia, by which the Saints are adored, and from Hyperdulia, which belongs to the most holy Virgin, most illustrious among pure creatures; and much more does it differ from that improper adoration which is exhibited even to Princes, of which Genes. 23. 33. et 42.

I assert therefore first, that LATRIA is in the genus of Virtue.

It is proved by the arguments of S. Bonavent. alleged dist. 1. quaest. 2. For an act proceeding from a habit that makes good, and renders the one operating good, is an act of virtue: such is the adoration of Latria: Therefore. See the rest there.

I assert second, that it is an act of a special virtue. So D. Bonavent. art. 2. quaest. 2.

It is proved by D. Bonavent., by the arguments alleged quaest. 3. disp. 1. That act which is about a special good object, about which there is a special difficulty, is good: Such is the act of Latria, which is concerned with the worship owed to God alone, as is said Deuter. 6., and I showed disp. 1. quaest. 1., and I shall show more at large in 3. part. disput. 27. Therefore.

I assert third, that Adoration, or Latria, is an act of a Cardinal virtue. So D. Bonavent. dist. 1. quaest. 3.

It is proved by D. Bonavent. and D. Thom. An act of a Theological virtue regards God immediately, as faith the uncreated truth, hope and Charity the uncreated goodness under different aspects; but Latria signifies the worship exhibited to God, and therefore that created entity; but it regards God only mediately, as I said disp. 1. quaest. 4. Therefore. The arguments on the opposite side lie solved there. Where you must take note that some of them touch rather the act that is merely external than the internal act of Religion, and therefore pertain more to this question. And if the internal act of Religion differs from the internal worship of Theosebia, much more does it differ from the external worship of Latria, of which we are here speaking. This noted, those arguments will collapse.