Section — Marc, Institutiones Morales

§ 3. On the Subject of Faith

¶423.
  1. The SUBJECT of faith is the intellect, which is moved by the will so that it assents to things to be believed. This is expressed in the definition by these words: inclining us to assent.

Faith is in the intellect as in its subject; but because faith pertains to the intellect according as it is moved by the will, there ought also to be a habit in the will, namely charity, so that the act of faith may be perfect, that is, so that it may proceed connaturally from both powers and be meritorious; not, however, so that it may be perfect in the notion of assent: for to this a firm adhesion of the intellect from the pious motion of the will, without the habit, suffices (Billuart, de Fide, Diss. 3, a. 1).

From the things said, the ACT OF FAITH can be defined: An act by which the intellect, illuminated by God through grace, from the command of the will likewise excited and aided by divine grace, assents to things to be believed.