THE "SUMMA THEOLOGICA"

xviii THE " SUMMA THEOLOGICA "
then, anyone deny that the riches of the mind are increased
and its powers extended by studies and arguments such as
these, he must of necessity contend absurdly that the discrimination
of truth and falsehood does not in any way
help towards intellectual advancement. Rightly, therefore,
does the Vatican Synod mention in the following words the
great benefits which are received by Faith from reason:
'Faith frees the reason from error, and guards it, and
instructs it with a manifold knowledge.' If, then, man
were wise, he would not blame Faith as being hostile to
reason and natural truths. Rather he would give hearty
thanks to God and rejoice greatly that, among so many
causes of ignorance and in the midst of such floods of error,
the most holy Faith shines brightly on him; for, like a
friendly star, that Faith points out to him the harbour of
truth, so that he can have no fear of going out of his
course.
If, then, Venerable Brothers, you look back at the history
of philosophy, you will see that all the words which We have
spoken are approved by the facts. Certainly, among the
ancient philosophers, living without the Faith, they who
were reckoned the wisest erred most harmfully in many
things. Though they taught the truth about some things,
yet you know how often they taught that which was false
and absurd. You know how many uncertain things and
doubtful things they handed down about the true nature
of the Godhead, the first beginning of creation, the government
of the world, God's knowledge of the future, the cause
and principle of evil, the last end of man, everlasting beatitude,
virtues and vices, as also about other subjects, of
which a true and certain knowledge is above everything
necessary for man.
On the other hand, the first Fathers and Doctors of the
Church understood dearly from the counsel of the will of
God that the restorer of human knowledge is Christ, who
is the 'power of God and the wisdom of God,' and 'in
whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and know-
ledge.' They undertook to examine thoroughly the books