Question 44 — The Procession of Creatures from God

After treating of the procession of the divine persons, we must consider the procession of creatures from God. This consideration will be threefold: (1) of the production of creatures; (2) of the distinction between them; (3) of their preservation and government.

Concerning the first point there are three things to be considered: (1) the first cause of beings; (2) the mode of procession of creatures from the first cause; (3) the principle of the duration of things.

Under the first head there are four points of inquiry:

(1) Whether God is the efficient cause of all beings?

• (2) Whether primary matter is created by God, or is an independent coordinate principle with Him?
• (3) Whether God is the exemplar cause of beings or whether there are other exemplar causes?
• (4) Whether He is the final cause of things?