Course of Theology - Volume Seven II - João Poinsot

This second part of Volume VII continues John of St. Thomas’s systematic treatment of the theological virtues within his Course of Theology, developing the Thomistic synthesis of the interior life of grace as articulated by Thomas Aquinas.

The work focuses especially on charity, treated as the highest of the theological virtues and the form of all other virtues. John of St. Thomas analyzes charity as a supernatural love of God for His own sake and of neighbor in relation to God, explaining its role in uniting the soul to its ultimate end.

A significant portion is devoted to the properties and effects of charity, including its growth, perfection, and loss through mortal sin. He carefully examines the conditions under which charity increases and the way it orders all other virtues toward God.

The volume also addresses the relationship between charity and the moral virtues, showing how infused moral habits are perfected and directed by charity as their governing principle. Poinsot emphasizes the hierarchical unity of the virtues within the supernatural order.

Throughout, he maintains rigorous scholastic method and metaphysical precision, presenting the theological virtues as an ordered system of supernatural habits that structure the Christian life and direct it toward final union with God.