THE "SUMMA THEOLOGICA"

xxx THE "SUMMA THEOLOGICA "
the greatest strength, indeed a resistless strength, to overthrow
the principles of this new jurisprudence, which is
manifestly dangerous to the peaceful order of society and
to public safety.
Lastly, from the restoration of philosophical teaching as
it has been set forth by Us, all human sciences ought to gather
hope of improvement, and the promise of a very great
safeguard. For from philosophy, as from a guiding wisdom,
the beneficent arts have hitherto derived a healthy method
and a right measure. They have, moreover, drunk a vital
spirit from it as from a common fountain oi life. It is
proved by fact and constant experience that the liberal arts
have been most flourishing when the honour of philosophy
has stood inviolate, and when its judgment has been held
for wisdom : but that they have lain neglected and almost
obliterated when declining philosophy has been enveloped
in errors and absurdities.
Hence, also, the physical sciences, which now are held
in so much repute, and everywhere draw to themselves a
singular admiration, because of the many wonderful discoveries
made in them, would not only take no harm from
a restoration of the philosophy of the ancients, but would
derive great protection from it. For the fruitful exercise
and increase of these sciences it is not enough that we consider
facts and contemplate Nature. When the facts are
well -known we must rise higher, and give our thoughts with
great care to understanding the nature of corporeal things,
as well as to the investigation of the laws which they obey,
and of the principles from which spring their order, their
unity in variety, and their common likeness in diversity.
It is marvellous what power and light and help are given
to these investigations by Scholastic philosophy, if it be
wisely used.
On this point it is well to call one thing to your min&s.
It is only by the highest injustice that any jealousy of the
progress and increase of natural sciences is laid, as a fault, at
Lhe door of that philosophy. When the Scholastics, following
the teaching of the Holy Fathers, everywhere taught through-