5. “GRATIA GRATIS DATA” and “GRATIA GRATUM FACIENS.”—The supernatural grace of Christ, existing invisibly in the soul either as a transient impulse (_actus_) or as a permanent state (_habitus_), tends either to the salvation of the person in whom it inheres or through him to the sanctification of others. In the former case it is called ingratiating (_gratia gratum faciens_), in the latter, gratuitously given (_gratia gratis data_). The term _gratia gratis data_ is based on the words of our Lord recorded in the Gospel of St. Matthew: “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out devils: freely have you received, freely give.”(20) a) The _gratia gratum faciens_ is intended for all men without exception; the _gratia gratis data_ only for a few specially chosen persons. To the class of gratuitously bestowed graces belong the charismata of the prophets and the ordinary powers of the priesthood.(21) Each of these two species of internal grace may exist independently of the other because personal holiness is not a necessary prerequisite for the exercise of the charismata or the power of forgiving sins, etc. b) Considered with regard to its intrinsic worth, the _gratia gratum faciens_ is decidedly superior to the _gratia gratis data_. St. Paul, after enumerating all the charismata, admonishes the Corinthians: “Be zealous for the better gifts, and I show unto you yet a more excellent way,”(22) and then sings the praises of charity:(23) “If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And if I should have prophecy and should know all the mysteries, and all knowledge, and if I should have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, I am nothing, etc.”(24) Charity is a _gratia gratum faciens_. Hence, since the _gratia gratis data_ is treated elsewhere (Apologetics, Mystic and Sacramental Theology), we must add another note to our definition: Grace is a gratuitous, supernatural, internal gift, derived from the merits of Jesus Christ, _by which man is rendered pleasing in the sight of God_.(25) 6. ACTUAL AND HABITUAL GRACE.—The _gratia gratum faciens_ is given either for the performance of a supernatural act or for the production of a permanent supernatural state (_habitus_). In the latter case it is called habitual, or, as it sanctifies the creature in the eyes of God, sanctifying grace.