of quotations from [various] writings are
introduced they spur on the reader and allure him into seeking
the truth in proportion as the authority of the writing itself is
commended ...

In accordance, then, with these forecasts it is our pleasure to
collect different sayings of the holy Fathers as we planned, just
as they have come to mind, suggesting (as they do) some
questioning from their apparent disagreement, in order that they
may stimulate tender readers to the utmost effort in seeking the
truth and may make them keener as the result of their seeking.[8]

(2) The new method which Abelard formed for discovering the truth is
presented in the "Yes and No." He first stated in the form of a thesis
for debate the question on which doubt existed. The book contains one
hundred and fifty-eight such questions. He then brought together under
each question the conflicting opinions of various authorities, and,
without stating his own view, left the student to reason for himself in
the matter. There is no doubt that this method served his purpose to
"stimulate tender readers to the utmost effort in seeking the truth."
His boldness in considering some of these questions debatable at all,
the novelty of the doubt which they imply, and their incisive challenge
to keen thinking are evident from the following list:

1. That faith is based upon reason, _et contra_.

5. That God is not single, _et contra_.

6. That God is tripartite, _et contra_.

8. That in the Trinity it is not to be stated that there is more than
one Eternal being, _et contra_.

11. That the Divine Persons mutually differ, _et contra_.

12. That in the Trinity each is one with the other, _et contra_.

13. That God the Father is the cause of the son, _et contra_.

14. That the Son is without beginning, _et contra_.

27. That God judges with foreknowledge, _et non_.

28. That the providence of God is the cause of things happening, _et
non_.

32. That to God all things are possible, _et non_.

36. That God does whatever he wishes, _et non_.

37. That nothing happens contrary to the will of God, _et contra._

38. That God knows all things, _et non_.

53. That Adam's sin was great, _et non_.

84. That man's first sin did not begin through the persuasion of the
devil, _et contra_.

55. That Eve only, not Adam, was beguiled, _et contra_.

56. That by sinning man lost free will, _et non_.