Reply Obj. 9:  Wives break their conjugal faith by adultery, both easily, for motives of pleasure, and hiddenly, since “the eye of the adulterer observeth darkness” (Job 24:15).  But this does not apply to a son in respect of his father, or to a servant in respect of his master:  because the latter infidelity is not the result of the lust of pleasure, but rather of malice:  nor can it remain hidden like the infidelity of an adulterous woman. ________________________

QUESTION 106

OF THE LAW OF THE GOSPEL, CALLED THE NEW LAW, CONSIDERED IN ITSELF (In Four Articles)

In proper sequence we have to consider now the Law of the Gospel which is called the New Law:  and in the first place we must consider it in itself; secondly, in comparison with the Old Law; thirdly, we shall treat of those things that are contained in the New Law.  Under the first head there are four points of inquiry: 

(1) What kind of law is it? i.e.  Is it a written law or is it instilled in the heart?

(2) Of its efficacy, i.e. does it justify?

(3) Of its beginning:  should it have been given at the beginning of the world?

(4) Of its end:  i.e. whether it will last until the end, or will another law take its place? ________________________

FIRST ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 106, Art. 1]

Whether the New Law Is a Written Law?

Objection 1:  It would seem that the New Law is a written law.  For the New Law is just the same as the Gospel.  But the Gospel is set forth in writing, according to John 20:31:  “But these are written that you may believe.”  Therefore the New Law is a written law.

Obj. 2:  Further, the law that is instilled in the heart is the natural law, according to Rom. 2:14, 15:  “(The Gentiles) do by nature those things that are of the law . . . who have [Vulg.:  ‘show’] the work of the law written in their hearts.”  If therefore the law of the Gospel were instilled in our hearts, it would not be distinct from the law of nature.

Obj. 3:  Further, the law of the Gospel is proper to those who are in the state of the New Testament.  But the law that is instilled in the heart is common to those who are in the New Testament and to those who are in the Old Testament:  for it is written (Wis. 7:27) that Divine Wisdom “through nations conveyeth herself into holy souls, she maketh the friends of God and prophets.”  Therefore the New Law is not instilled in our hearts.

On the contrary, The New Law is the law of the New Testament.  But the law of the New Testament is instilled in our hearts.  For the Apostle, quoting the authority of Jeremiah 31:31, 33:  “Behold the days shall come, saith the Lord; and I will perfect unto the house of Israel, and unto the house of Judah, a new testament,” says, explaining what this statement is (Heb. 8:8, 10):  “For this is the testament which I will make to the house of Israel . . . by giving [Vulg.:  ‘I will give’] My laws into their mind, and in their heart will I write them.”  Therefore the New Law is instilled in our hearts.