Has God's providence in regard to the elect any special name?
Yes, it is called predestination
What does predestination imply with regard to those whom it concerns?
It implies that these one day shall possess the happiness of heaven
What are those called who never attain to this happiness?
They are called the reproved or the non-elect
Why is it that the predestined attain this happiness while the reproved or the non-elect do not?
It is because God chooses the predestined by a love of predilection, in virtue of which He so arranges all things in this life that ultimately they reach the happiness of heaven
And why is it that the reproved or the non-elect do not ultimately reach the same happiness?
It is because God does not love them with the same love as He loves the predestined
But surely this is unjust on God's part?
No, it is not unjust, because no one has a right to the happiness of heaven; and those who reach heaven do so by the grace of God only
But those who do not reach heaven, will they be punished for not getting there?
They will not be punished for not getting there except in so far as their sins prevented them from getting there
Is it true that man is prevented from reaching heaven by his own fault?
Yes, it is through man's own fault if he does not reach the happiness of heaven which God offers to all; man who is free either does not respond to the offer made him by God or he spurns it by seeking his own ends
Does this despisal or the choosing of one's own ends outrage God?
Yes, such is an outrage against God; moreover when this is due to one's own personal sin, it merits the most severe chastisement
Do those who respond to God's offer and who reach the happiness of heaven owe it to God that they responded to His offer, and is it due to Him that they merit their happiness?
Yes, they owe it all to the predestination of God
Does God make this choice from all eternity?
Yes
What does this choice imply with regard to those whom it concerns?
It implies that God has fixed for them a place in heaven and that by His grace He guides them towards heaven which eventually they reach
What should men do at the thought of this eternal choice of predestination?
They should rely completely on the grace of God in the endeavour to know for certain, in so far as this is possible on earth, that they are among the elect
Is God almighty?
Yes
Why is God almighty?
Because since God is Very Being, whatever is not opposed to the idea of being is dependent upon Him
Is God happy?
Yes, God is Very Happiness; for He enjoys in an infinite manner the infinite good which is none other than Himself
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