19. Through how many ways is the operation of divinity indicated?

D. Through how many kinds is the efficient power, or operation, of divinity pointed out--which the Greeks call energeia? M. Four: either by creation, or by providence toward creatures, or by preparation of future events for them, or by the outcome or result of things prepared.

[2] D. Give the things pertaining to operation. M. As when he is called Good, especially because the things which did not use to exist he made and makes exist; and Wise, because we discern that all things have been so wonderfully arranged by him; and Mighty, because he was able to accomplish the things which he so well and wisely willed. D. Are these things in God by essence or by will? M. God is simple, nor is there in him an essence other than will; whence come even all the terms for his operation; although they differ among themselves in definitions, nevertheless in him no difference, or diversity, is found. [2b] Therefore even by essence, or nature, he creates, because nothing is accidental to him; and yet, also he creates by will, because he accomplishes nothing out of necessity, or compelled. For not --just as fire burns out of necessity of nature, or bees manufacture waxes, or spiders webs, out of natural necessity-- thus does God also work, but God therefore is said to create by nature, or essence--lest will in him be demonstrated as something else--and therefore by will, because he is not at all compelled to work; but essentially he wills, and by will he exists.

[3] D. Give the things specifically pertaining to creation. M. As when he is called Maker, Artificer, Creator, and the like, although he is said also 'to make' in place of 'to dispose,' e.g., "He made salvation in the presence of all the earth" (Ps 73[74]:12), but then it is said according to a kind of providence. D. Give the things which specifically pertain to providence. M. As when he is called Helper, Foreknowing, Almighty, and the like. D. Give the things pertaining to the preparation of future events. M. As when he is called the Way, and Hope, and Refuge, and the like. D. Give the things pertaining to the result of the things prepared. M. As when he is called Exultation, Joy, and other similar things. But all things pertaining to operation are recognized not only in his names, but also in notable events or similar revelations.

[4] D. Is divine operation made known only in these ways? M. There is another figurative mode, when from human operations divine operation is pointed out. D. In how many ways does it occur? M. In two, when either the things which belong to our mind are figuratively said to be in God, such as rage and anger and consciousness and regret, or those things which are treated in regard to the body or through the body, e.g., feet, hands, fingers. For occasionally even human operations are transferred to God, as when it is said, "Take up your weapons and shield" (Ps 34[35]:2). All these things nevertheless ought to be joined to the four aforesaid kinds of operation in keeping with the nature of the sentiments.