QUESTION 99

OF THE PRECEPTS OF THE OLD LAW
(In Six Articles)

We must now consider the precepts of the Old Law; and (1) how they are distinguished from one another; (2) each kind of precept.  Under the first head there are six points of inquiry: 

(1) Whether the Old Law contains several precepts or only one?

(2) Whether the Old Law contains any moral precepts?

(3) Whether it contains ceremonial precepts in addition to the moral precepts?

(4) Whether besides these it contains judicial precepts?

(5) Whether it contains any others besides these?

(6) How the Old Law induced men to keep its precepts.
________________________

FIRST ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 99, Art. 1]

Whether the Old Law Contains Only One Precept?

Objection 1:  It would seem that the Old Law contains but one precept.  Because a law is nothing else than a precept, as stated above (Q. 90, AA. 2, 3).  Now there is but one Old Law.  Therefore it contains but one precept.

Obj. 2:  Further, the Apostle says (Rom. 13:9):  “If there be any other commandment, it is comprised in this word:  Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”  But this is only one commandment.  Therefore the Old Law contained but one commandment.

Obj. 3:  Further, it is written (Matt. 7:12):  “All things . . . whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do you also to them.  For this is the Law and the prophets.”  But the whole of the Old Law is comprised in the Law and the prophets.  Therefore the whole of the Old Law contains but one commandment.

On the contrary, The Apostle says (Eph. 2:15):  “Making void the Law of commandments contained in decrees”:  where he is referring to the Old Law, as the gloss comments, on the passage.  Therefore the Old Law comprises many commandments.

I answer that, Since a precept of law is binding, it is about something which must be done:  and, that a thing must be done, arises from the necessity of some end.  Hence it is evident that a precept implies, in its very idea, relation to an end, in so far as a thing is commanded as being necessary or expedient to an end.  Now many things may happen to be necessary or expedient to an end; and, accordingly, precepts may be given about various things as being ordained to one end.  Consequently we must say that all the precepts of the Old Law are one in respect of their relation to one end:  and yet they are many in respect of the diversity of those things that are ordained to that end.

Reply Obj. 1:  The Old Law is said to be one as being ordained to one end:  yet it comprises various precepts, according to the diversity of the things which it directs to the end.  Thus also the art of building is one according to the unity of its end, because it aims at the building of a house:  and yet it contains various rules, according to the variety of acts ordained thereto.