Chapter I: On the Nature of Faith

St. Thomas, 2.2, q. 2, a. 1 seqq.; St. Alphonsus, II, tr. 1; ed. G., I, p. 295; H. Ap., IV, 1; Lugo, de Virt. Fid., disp. XV; Suarez, disp. I and VII; Wilmers, de Fide divina; Lahousse, de Virt. theol., p. 70; Scheeben, Dogmat., I, § 38, etc.

420. Things to be noted beforehand. The name faith signifies assent which is given to another's sayings on account of his authority. If this assent is given on account of the authority of man, it is human faith; if on account of the authority of God, it is divine faith. This, if it is considered in act, is called actual; if in habit, it is called habitual.

DEFINITION. Faith is a theological virtue infused by God, inclining us to assent firmly, on account of divine veracity, to all things which God has revealed, and has proposed to us through the Church as to be believed.

In the definition are expressed: 1. the material object of faith; 2. the formal object of faith; 3. the subject of faith. - A few things concerning each.