On Prayer and the Contemplative Life

Question CLXXX of the Contemplative Life

I. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it?
   S. Thomas, On the Beatific Vision, I., xii.
ad 3m

II. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life?
   S. Augustine, Of the City of God, xix. 19

III. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts?
   S. Augustine, Of the Perfection of Human Righteousness, viii. 18
Ep., cxxx. ad probam

IV. Does the Contemplative Life consist solely in the Contemplation of God, or in the Consideration of other Truths as well?
   S. Augustine, Sermon, CLXIX., xiv. 17
Ep., cxxx. ad probam

V. Can the Contemplative Life attain, according to the State of this Present Life, to the Contemplation of the Divine Essence?
   S. Augustine, Of the Sermon on the Mount, II., ix. 35

VI. Is the Act of Contemplation rightly distinguished according to the three kinds of Motion—Circular, Direct, and Oblique?

VII. Has Contemplation its Joys?

VIII. Is the Contemplative Life lasting?
   S. Augustine, Sermon, cclix., On Low Sunday