Why supernatural theology is necessary; five hypotheses before the highest good can be taught
So Thomas. From which it is gathered at once what and why this supernatural doctrine and theology is necessary for man beside and beyond the natural sciences: namely because it raises and directs his true practice — which is according to piety — above nature to his highest end and to the good of eternal joy and glory.
That good cannot be taught clearly enough unless other hypotheses have already been settled in the reader's mind, namely: first, the immortality of the rational soul; second, the state of the same when separated from its body; third, the end of this world; fourth, the resurrection of the flesh; fifth, the last judgment.
When these are rightly established, the highest beatitude of God's kingdom, and of man as citizen of this kingdom, will be explained somewhat more solidly.
Latin
Haec Thomas, ex quibus simul colligitur, quod & quare homini praeter & ultra naturales scientias, haec supernaturalis doctrina & Theologia sit necessaria, quippe quae veram ipsius praxin, quae secundum pietatem est, evehit & dirigit supra naturam ad summum finem suum & bonum gaudii & gloriae aeternae. Quod bonum luculente satis doceri nequit, nisi aliae hypotheses jam ante in animo lectoris firmatae sint, nimirum, 1. Animae rationalis immortalitas. 2. Ejusdem a corpore suo separatae status. 3. Hujus mundi finis. 4. Resurrectio carnis. 5. Judicium extremum. Quibus recte constitutis, summa regni Dei, hominisque civis hujus regni, beatitudo aliquanto solidius explicabitur.