II. To the Second Question

53. As to the second question, about the fact of the matter [n.11], it is probable, according to the Master [Lombard] that God conferred on Christ as much as he could [n.18]; but, from the preceding question [nn.30, 45-48], he was able to confer the highest creatable grace; therefore he did so confer it. I prefer, in commending Christ, to go to excess in praising him than to fail to praise him as is his due - supposing that, because of ignorance, one must fall into one or other extreme.

54. This response is confirmed by Augustine’s remark On Free Choice 3.5 n.45, “As regards whatever occurs to you by true reason to be better, know that God has done it rather than not done it.” Now it seems, according to right reason, to be simply better that the highest grace has been conferred on someone than not conferred, for thereby is displayed the highest mercy of God in giving the highest good of grace without preceding merits;     therefore it is probable to say that he did it, and not to any but the soul of Christ; therefore etc     .