V. Division

Moral theology is divided into general or fundamental theology and special theology. For the division of a science must be drawn from its matter or object. Now the whole of moral theology consists in this: that it teach how human acts are directed to the ultimate end, or - what comes to the same thing - how one lives in a Christian manner. It teaches this by discussing first the general principles of the Christian life, which general moral theology will set forth; then the very exercise of the Christian life, or the cultivation of the virtues; then the principal aids of the Christian life, or the sacraments; and finally the sanction of the Christian life, or ecclesiastical penalties, which special moral theology will set forth. And thus the whole of moral theology will be completed in four books.