ARTICLE 11

Whether infused virtue may be increased.

1. Objections: It would seem not.

 a. Virtue is a quality, but only matter or

    quantity is increased     obj. 1 and 8.

 b. Virtue is a simple, indivisible form  obj. 2, 6, 7, 17.

 c. Virtue cannot be essentially increased obj. 3 and 4, 12.

 d. Since virtue cannot be diminished,

    neither can it be increased   obj. 5 and 16.

 e. Virtue is invariable because its cause,

    God, is so       obj. 9.

 f. Virtue is a maximum or extreme, and so

    cannot be increased     obj. 10, 15, 17-18.

 g. Not all virtues can be increased  obj. 11.

 h. Virtue cannot be increased by acts  obj. 13 and 14.

2. On the contrary

The authority of Scripture and of St. Augustine 1 and 2.

3. Body

 a. The error of those who consider all forms as substances, which do not increase.

 b. Virtues are not increased:

  (1) by the addition of one to another, since virtue is not an indivisible form.

  (2) essentially in themselves, since virtue is not a substantial form.

 c. Rather their subject is more or less actualized by them (the infused virtues: through the action of God; the acquired virtues: through our acts).

Note: Our acts are merely dispositions for and, once charity has been infused, merit to receive the infused virtues; they do not cause these virtues.