summa-contra-gentiles

86 THE SUMMA CONTRA GENTILES
possibly otherwise, and since the principle of this possibility
is matter and not their form, which in fact determines
the possibility of matter to one ;
it follows that those things
which are distinct by their forms are not distinct by chance,
but perhaps those things are, whose distinction is from
matter. But the distinction of species is from the form,
and the distinction of singulars in the same species, is
from matter. Wherefore the specific distinction of things
cannot be from chance, but perhaps chance causes the
distinction of certain individuals.
Also. Since matter is the principle and cause of casual
things, as we have shown, there may be chance in the
making of things produced from matter. But it was proved
above^ that the first production of things into being was
not from matter. Wherefore there is no place for chance
in them. Yet the first production of things must needs
have included their distinction : since there are many
created things which are neither produced from one
another, nor from something common, because they do
not agree in matter. Therefore it is impossible for the
distinction of things to be from chance.
Again. A per se cause is before an accidental cause.
Hence if later things are from a determinate fer se cause,
it is unfitting to say that the first things are from an
undeterminate accidental cause. Now the distinction of
things naturally precedes their movements and operations :
since determinate movements and operations belong to
things determinate and distinct. But movements and
operations of things are from per se and determinate
causes, since we find that they proceed from their causes in
the same way either always or for the most part. Therefore
the distinction of things is also from a per se determinate
cause, and not from chance, which is an indeterminate
accidental cause.
Moreover. The form of anything that proceeds from an
intellectual voluntary agent is intended by the agent. Now
author God Who is an
the universe of creatures has for its
1
Ch. xvi.