3. Concerning these things which pertain to the government of the world.

D. Because it has been suitably handled concerning the creation of the world, it remains that we ask, In how many ways is its government indicated? M. In two: for either it is general or particular.

[2] D. Which is the general? M. That through which those things that have been made remain in existence according to the manner in which they were made; this is indicated whenever it is said, "God saw that it was good" (Gn 1:4,10,12,18,21,25), and, that "they were very good" (Gn 1:31) and "he blessed them" (Gn 1:28); this even blessed David shows, saying, "He spoke, and they were made; he commanded, and they were created. He established them for ever and ever; he imposed his rule, and it will not pass away" (Ps 148:5,6).

[3] D. Which is the particular government? M. That through which individual things are governed by God, and especially rational beings, such as is the command in paradise concerning the tree (Gn 2:16,17). For just as divine power maintains all creatures in order that they remain in existence, so even rational beings it instructs on diverse occasions in order that they may prosper.