First Distinction. Overview of the Parts of the Distinction

1. Accordingly [Prol. nn.12-13] in the first distinction, therefore, where the sacraments are dealt with in general, the principal object of treatment is consequently also their order to grace. The thing, then, to ask first in general is whether a creature can have any action with respect to the term of creation [Part One of d.1]. The second question is about the proper nature of a sacrament and its institution [Part Two of d.1]. The third question, arising from the first two, is whether a sacrament can have any causality with respect to the creating of grace [Part Three of d.1].