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This consideration which the soul has of its threefold and unified

principle through the trinity of its powers, by which it is the image of

God, is supported by the light of knowledge which perfects it and informs

it, and represents in three ways the most blessed Trinity. For all

philosophy is either natural or rational or moral. The first deals with the

cause of being, and therefore leads to the power of the Father. The second

deals with the principle of understanding, and therefore leads to the

wisdom of the Word. The third deals with the order of living, and therefore

leads to the goodness of the Holy Spirit.

Again, the first is divided into metaphysics, mathematics, and physics. The

first concerns the essences of things; the second, numbers and figures; the

third, natures, powers, and extensive operations. Therefore the first to

the First leads Principle, the Father; the second, to His image, the Son;

the

third, to the gift of the Holy Spirit.

The second is divided into grammar, which gives us the power of expression;

logic, which gives us skill in argumentation; rhetoric, which makes us

skillful in persuasion or stirring the emotions. And this similarly images

the mystery of the most blessed Trinity.

The third is divided into individual, family, and political [problems].[ ¹]

And therefore the first images the First Principle, which has no birth; the

second, the family relationship of the Son; the third, the liberality of

the Holy Spirit.