Xviii. Of The State Of Happiness In Which Man Was Created
XVIII. OF THE STATE OF HAPPINESS IN WHICH MAN WAS CREATED
(A)
Was man created by God in a state of great perfection?
Yes.
What did the state of perfection in which man was created comprise?
It comprised the mind's complete knowledge void of error; original justice with all the virtues of mind and: will; entire command of the soul over the body and over every creature inferior to man (XCIV., XCV., XCVI.).
Was this state of perfection proper to the first man only or ought it to have been common to all who are descendents from Adam by generation?
It was proper to Adam as regards the gift of knowledge only; but since original justice and the gifts of integrity and complete moral rectitude are inseparable from human nature as such these would have been transmitted to all by way of origin or generation had not sin stood in the way (XCIV., CI. 1).
In this state in which man was created, would he have been subject to death?
No, in this state man would not have died (CXVII. 1)
Would man have suffered in this state?
No, for by a special privilege man's body was guarded from all evil by the soul which itself was incapable of suffering so long as it remained subjected to God by its will (XCVII. a).
(B)
Was man created by God in a state of happiness?
Yes.
Was this state that of his final and perfect happiness?
No, it was only temporary, and would have been followed by another state which was final (XCIV. 1, Obj. 1).
What then may one call this state of happiness in which man was created by God?
It may be called a state of initial happiness which was to prepare man by way of merit to enter into the state of his final and perfect happiness in token of reward (XCIV. 1, Obj. 2; XCV. 4).
Where would man have acquired this state of final and perfect happiness had he remained faithful?
He would have acquired this happiness in the glory of heaven in the company of the angels, whither God would have transferred him after a certain period of probation (XCIV. 1, Obj. 1).
Where was man placed while awaiting to be transferred to the glory of heaven?
He was placed in a garden of delights prepared by God for him (CII.).
What was this garden of delights called?
It was called the Garden of Eden (ibid.).